Four in Double Figures as Pride Defeat Rivier, 74–53

WESTON, Mass. — The Regis women's basketball team bounced back with a complete team performance, earning a 74–53 Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) victory over Rivier University on Saturday afternoon. The win improved the Pride to 4-1 in conference play and 7-11 overall.

Four players scored in double figures, led by senior Madi Zancan, who posted a dominant double-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and four steals. Jordyn Striggles followed with 17 points, knocking down 3-of-6 attempts from beyond the arc. Off the bench, first-years Zoey Swanson and Kristina Asmani contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively, with Swanson also grabbing six rebounds.

For the Raiders, Erika Fantauzzi led the way with 13 points, while Gianna Donato added 12. Sydney Perry chipped in 10 rebounds and seven points in the effort.

How it Happened

The opening quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to create much separation, where the Pride held a slim 16–14 edge at the end of the first frame.

Regis began to create some breathing room early in the second quarter, opening the period on a 7–0 run to take a 23–14 lead. A layup from Juju Nealy - who earlier in the action recorded her 1,000th career point - briefly slowed the momentum. The Pride responded immediately, as Kristina Asmani went a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line before Sophia Pollini drained a three-pointer to extend the lead to 29-16 with under five minutes remaining in the half. The Raiders answered with an 8-2 run, but Jordyn Striggles knocked down two free throws in the final 30 seconds to send Regis into the break ahead, 33-24.

Rivier opened the third quarter with two quick baskets, but Madi Zancan halted the surge with an offensive rebound and putback. Regis continued to attack the paint, drawing fouls and capitalizing at the free-throw line with Three trips to the stripe helping to extend the Pride's advantage to 41–30 with 4:44 remaining in the third. Regis closed the quarter on an 8-2 run, capped by a Striggles three-pointer in the closing seconds, to take a 53-38 lead into the final period.

Striggles opened the fourth quarter with her third three-pointer of the afternoon, and the Pride capitalized on a trio of Rivier turnovers to push the lead to 60-40 at the 6:12 mark. Regis continued to build its cushion, highlighted by back-to-back and-one finishes from Asmani and Zancan that brought the crowd to its feet and helped seal the 74–53 victory.

Inside the Numbers

• Jillian Perry made her presence known on the defensive end, securing a game-high five steals. 
• Nine different members of the Pride recorded at least two points in this afternoon's victory. 
• Madi Zancan recorded her 11th double-double on the season tonight.

Up Next

The Pride are back at home this Wednesday, January 28 when they host Mitchell College at 5 p.m. The game will also serve as the programs Mental Health Awareness night.