Sydney Perry (20) had 17 points for Rivier on Monday night, but the Raiders fell to Thomas College in OT. (Photo courtesy of Rivier Athletics)

WATERVILLE, Maine – The Rivier women’s basketball team battled through four quarters and overtime before dropping a 73-68 decision to Thomas (ME) on Monday evening at Larry Mahaney Gymnasium.

With the loss, the Raiders dropped to 0-13 on the season, while the Terriers improved to 7-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Rivier set the tone early, using transition offense and strong interior play to take an 18-14 lead after the first quarter. Sophomore Gianna Donato jump-started the Raiders offensively, attacking the paint and finishing through contact while also creating opportunities defensively.

Sophomore Sydney Perry controlled the glass early, helping Rivier generate second-chance opportunities and establish a presence in the paint.

Thomas responded in the second quarter with a scoring run, holding Rivier to six points and taking a 32-24 advantage into halftime.

The Terriers extended their lead in the third quarter behind efficient shooting and second-chance opportunities. Rivier surged in the fourth quarter, shooting over 50 percent from the field and outscoring Thomas 27-16 to erase the deficit.

First-year Madi Ricker drilled a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds to tie the game at 62-62 and force overtime. The teams traded baskets early in overtime, but Thomas capitalized at the free-throw line in the closing moments to secure the win.

BOX SCORE BREAKDOWN

Donato led the Raiders with 20 points while adding five steals

Perry recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds

Graduate student Juju Nealy finished with 15 points and five rebounds

Ricker contributed 11 points off the bench.

Rivier held a 48-42 rebounding advantage and scored 40 points in the paint

The Raiders finished shooting 32.9 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line

UP NEXT

The Raiders begin conference play Saturday, January 10 as they head to Franklin, Mass. as they take on the Bulldogs of Dean College. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m.