Women's Basketball Wins 73-47 Over Previously Undefeated WPI

MEDFORD – The 15th-ranked Tufts University women's basketball team shot 51-percent from the floor and had four players score in double figures as the Jumbos (6-1) defeated previously unbeaten WPI (7-1) on Wednesday night at Cousens Gymnasium.

Molly Ryan led Tufts with 20 points, followed by 12 from Sofia Rosa (pictured), 11 by Callie O'Brien and 10 for Erin Poindexter McHan. The Jumbos out-rebounded the Engineers 43-26 led by seven from Maggie Russell and six by Angela Alibrandi.

WPI got 10 points from Alex Scariati and six points with nine rebounds and four assists by Jordan Wynn.

A closing run in the first quarter gave Tufts a 21-13 lead. A lay-up by WPI's Emily Raynowska had made it a 14-13 game in favor of Tufts with 4:14 remaining in the period. However, that would be the last Engineer basket of the quarter. Ryan made the next two and McHan added a three as the Jumbos took an eight-point lead.

Scariati's three was the first points of the second quarter closing the margin to 21-16. However, Tufts initiated a 13-4 run from there with a three by O'Brien and four points each from Ryan and Rosa to lead 36-20 with four minutes remaining in the half. The Jumbos would lead 40-25 at intermission led by 13 from Ryan. The Jumbos hit at 57.1 percent (8/14) in the second quarter. Scariati and Victoria Mirecki both had seven points at halftime for WPI.

The Tufts lead reached 20 on a lay-up by Ryan at 2:51 of the third quarter. It would peak at 29 points twice late in the fourth as the Jumbos secured the victory. Tufts coach Jill Pace was able to empty her bench late and got two rebounds, a block and a steal from Caitlyn O'Boyle.

The Jumbos had their best shooting night of the young season as they made 30 of 59 shots overall including a five for seven night by O'Brien, eight for 13 from Ryan and five for seven by Rosa. Ryan also added four steals to her game and Rosa blocked a pair of shots.

Tufts remains at home and hosts MIT on Saturday at 1 PM. The Engineers are off until hosting Bates in the WPI Holiday Tournament on December 30.