Rivier's Juju Nealy pushes the ball up the floor vs.Springfield at the Naismith Classic on Thursday in Springfield, Mass. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Rivier women’s basketball team opened play at the Naismith Classic with a 72-39 setback to host Springfield College on Thursday evening.

With the loss, the Raiders fell to 0-11 on the season, while the Pride improved to 7-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Springfield set the tempo early, capitalizing on transition opportunities and building a first-quarter advantage.

Sophomore Gianna Donato led the Raiders offensively from the opening tip, attacking the paint and converting through contact, and sparked a scoring run with a three-pointer followed by a steal and two free throws.

Graduate student Juju Nealy added momentum late in the opening quarter, scoring during a brief run that cut the deficit to 19-12.

The Raiders worked to stay within reach defensively, forcing contested shots and limiting Springfield’s efficiency during stretches of the first half

The Pride used a late second quarter run to extend the margin heading into halftime, 38-18.

Rivier came out of the break emphasizing ball movement and interior scoring, generating multiple paint touches in the third quarter. Junior Haley Phillips scored Rivier’s first points of the second half with a three-pointer at the three-minute mark of the period. But, despite Rivier’s efforts, Springfield maintained control with balanced scoring and consistent pressure.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Nealy led the Raiders with 15 points and four rebounds…Rivier generated half of its offense in the paint, emphasizing physical play inside…The Raiders forced turnovers defensively and worked to convert them into scoring opportunities…Multiple Raiders logged minutes, contributing throughout the contest.

UP NEXT

The Raiders return to action today as they face SUNY Cortland in Naismith Classic play. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.