LOWELL, Mass. – Mount Ida travelled to Division 1 opponent UMass Lowell on Monday night, and the Mustangs held their own in the first half before seeing the Riverhawks separate themselves for a 93-41 victory in non-conference women's basketball action at Costello Athletic Center.
Mount Ida falls to 2-4 in their final game before the Thanksgiving break, while UMass Lowell (1-3) pick up their first win of the year, and the first victory for new head coach Jenerrie Harris.
Mount Ida got ten points from freshman Imani Bumpus (West Hartford, Conn.) and 11 points from sophomore Katlyn Jesse (Marshfield, Mass.).
Bumpus opened the game with a three-pointer to put the Mustangs in front, and Mount Ida led 10-8 after a jumper by Katlyn Jesse, who made a three-pointer herself as Mount Ida led 13-12.
The hosts, however, were in the midst of a 30-7 run that led to a 49-32 halftime advantage.
UMass Lowell's defensive pressure caused 13 first half turnovers by the Mustangs that resulted in 22 points for the home team. The nine second-half points scored by Mt. Ida were the fewest allowed by the River Hawks since allowing 10 to Bridgeport in 2000.
The River Hawks got significant contributions from their freshmen as Brianna Rudolph (Lynn, Mass.) scored a game-high 18 points while Jontay Walton (Buffalo, N.Y.) got her first career start and totaled 13 points, seven assists and four steals. Kayla Gibbs (Teaneck, N.J.) also made her collegiate debut and scored 13 points in 10 minutes.
Sophomore Angelique Martinez (Taunton, Mass.) and Bumpus co-led Mount Ida with five rebounds apiece, with Martinez adding five points and two steals.
Stephanie Champoux (Tewksbury, Mass.) added 9 points, while Jesse had a team-high three assists.
Mount Ida returns to their home court next Tuesday evening when they host UMass Boston at 6:00 pm at Mount Ida Athletic Center.
The River Hawks wrap up their four-game homestand on November 30 against Fairleigh Dickinson at 2 p.m.