LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — The Bryant women’s basketball team delivered a commanding performance in an 80-38 victory over Massachusetts-Lowell on Thursday night at Costello Athletic Center. The Bulldogs seized control early, building a 45-19 halftime lead and never relenting. Mimi Rubino led all scorers with 21 points for Bryant, while Maranda Nyborg added 20. The Bulldogs’ defense was stifling, forcing 21 River Hawks turnovers and converting them into numerous transition opportunities. Bryant shot 47.3% from the field and made 20 of 26 free throws. Massachusetts-Lowell struggled offensively, shooting 34.8% and making only 3 of 16 from three-point range. Bryant improved to 13-3 overall. Massachusetts-Lowell fell to 6-10.

LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs delivered a defensive masterclass, overwhelming the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks from the opening tip and cruising to an 80-38 victory in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday night at Costello Athletic Center. The contest was effectively decided in the first quarter, as Bryant unleashed a relentless full-court press that completely disrupted the River Hawks’ offense. The Bulldogs forced 21 turnovers for the game, converting them into 21 points, while committing only seven of their own. That defensive pressure set the tone for a lopsided affair witnessed by 131 fans. Bryant’s dominance was comprehensive. The Bulldogs shot 47.3% from the floor and connected on 8 of 19 three-point attempts. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 20 of 26 attempts. In stark contrast, Massachusetts-Lowell managed just 34.8% shooting, hit only 3 of 16 from beyond the arc, and struggled profoundly at the line, making just 3 of 10 free throws. The Bulldogs also dished out 14 assists to the River Hawks’ four and recorded 14 steals. The most important part of the game was its blistering start, which erased any doubt about the outcome within minutes. Bryant opened the game on a 9-0 run, fueled by its defensive intensity. Maranda Nyborg scored the game’s first four points, and after Massachusetts-Lowell’s Jaini Edmonds hit a jumper to make it 9-2, Bryant answered with another decisive surge. The Bulldogs’ pressure was unrelenting. A steal by Mia Mancini led to a Nyborg layup. Another turnover forced by the press resulted in a three-pointer from Mimi Rubino. By the time the first media timeout arrived with 4:44 remaining in the opening quarter, Bryant had already built a double-digit lead and had Massachusetts-Lowell thoroughly flustered. The River Hawks committed nine turnovers in the first quarter alone, from which Bryant generated easy transition opportunities. The period ended with the Bulldogs ahead 24-12, and the margin would only grow. Rubino, a guard from Pequannock, New Jersey, led all scorers with 21 points in just 26 minutes, showcasing efficient shooting from deep and the free-throw line. Nyborg, a 6-foot-3 forward from Bethel, Connecticut, was a force inside, adding 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Martina Boba of Argentona, Spain, orchestrated the offense with five assists and added six points, while Nia Scott of Medford Lakes, New Jersey, provided 12 points and strong interior defense. For Massachusetts-Lowell, which never found an offensive rhythm, Maddie Rice of Charlottesville, Virginia, finished with eight points. Nia Chima of Toronto contributed six points and three blocks in a losing effort. With the victory, Bryant improved its season record to 13-3, continuing a strong campaign that includes notable wins over Boston College and Marist. The Bulldogs have now won three consecutive games. Massachusetts-Lowell fell to 6-10 with the loss, having dropped three of its last four contests. Bryant next hosts Albany on Saturday, while Massachusetts-Lowell will look to regroup at home against Binghamton, also on Saturday. The game’s statistical profile underscored the one-sided nature of the contest. Bryant’s offensive rating of 120.6 points per 100 possessions dwarfed Massachusetts-Lowell’s mark of 62.6. The Bulldogs also controlled the paint, outscoring the River Hawks 30-18, a testament to their efficient execution at both ends of the floor from the opening whistle.

LOWELL, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging Bryant team visits the Costello Athletic Center on Thursday to face Massachusetts-Lowell in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup. The Bulldogs (12-3) enter on a four-game winning streak, including an 82-73 victory over Maine on Saturday. Bryant’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 48.5 points during the streak. A key to their success has been forward Nia Scott, who is coming off a 16-point, 11-rebound, three-block performance against Maine. Over her last four games, Scott is averaging 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds. The River Hawks (6-9) look to snap a two-game skid after a 74-62 loss at Albany on Saturday. They have relied heavily on the scoring of guard Jaini Edmonds, who poured in 24 points in that defeat. Edmonds has scored 20 or more points in three of her last five contests. While Bryant has excelled, Massachusetts-Lowell has shown resilience at home, including an overtime win over Long Island on Dec. 14. The River Hawks will need a strong defensive effort to contain a balanced Bryant attack that saw Mia Mancini (19 points) and Izzy Adams (14 points, 6 assists) also shine in the win over Maine. The game tips off at 6 p.m. EST on Jan. 8. Bryant travels to face Albany on Saturday, while Massachusetts-Lowell hosts Binghamton.