CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — The UMBC Retrievers defeated the Bryant Bulldogs 55-47 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday afternoon at Retriever Activities Center. UMBC built a 39-26 lead through three quarters before Bryant mounted a fourth-quarter rally, outscoring the Retrievers 21-16 in the final period. The comeback attempt fell short as UMBC secured the home win in front of 3,167 fans. The victory improved UMBC’s record to 7-9, while Bryant, which entered with a 71.9% win probability according to National Statistical’s ELO system, fell to 14-4.

CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by offensive droughts, the Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers weathered a furious fourth-quarter rally to defeat the Bryant Bulldogs 55-47 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Thursday afternoon at the Retriever Activities Center. A crowd of 3,167 watched as the Retrievers, led by a game-high 21 points from junior forward Jade Tillman of Rockville, Maryland, built a commanding 16-point lead early in the fourth quarter only to see the Bulldogs claw back within a single possession in the final minute. UMBC’s composure at the free-throw line in the closing seconds ultimately sealed the victory, improving their record to 7-9 while handing Bryant its fourth loss against 14 wins. The game’s pivotal sequence, and the foundation for UMBC’s win, was a dominant stretch spanning the second and third quarters where Bryant’s offense completely stalled. After a competitive first period that ended with the Retrievers leading 9-10, UMBC’s defense clamped down. Bryant managed just 10 points in the second quarter and a mere six in the third, shooting a frigid combined 6-for-31 from the floor during that 20-minute span. Conversely, UMBC methodically extended its advantage. A 9-0 run in the second quarter, fueled by five points from Alaina Williams of Apollo Beach, Florida, who finished with 12, pushed the lead to 25-15. The Retrievers took a 39-31 lead into the final period and then scored the first six points of the fourth, capped by a Tillman stepback jumper, to establish their largest lead at 45-31 with 7:18 to play. The most important part of the game, however, was Bryant’s relentless response. Sparked by guard Mimi Rubino of Pequannock, New Jersey, who scored 11 points, the Bulldogs unleashed a 16-2 run over the next five minutes. Rubino hit a three-pointer and a pull-up jumper, while Abbey Lindsey of Staten Island, New York, contributed two baskets. When Izzy Adams of Walpole, Massachusetts, who led Bryant with 10 points, converted a pair of free throws with 1:47 remaining, the UMBC lead had been slashed to 47-45. The Retrievers’ defense, which had been so stout, suddenly looked vulnerable. But with the game in the balance, Tillman took over. On the ensuing possession, she drove and hit a difficult pull-up jumper over Bryant’s 6-foot-3 center Maranda Nyborg of Bethel, Connecticut, to push the lead back to four. After a Bryant miss, UMBC worked the clock and Tillman was fouled with 39 seconds left. She calmly sank both free throws for a 51-45 edge. Bryant’ Rubino answered with a deep three-pointer with just five seconds on the clock, cutting the deficit to 53-50 and forcing one final tense moment. UMBC inbounded to senior guard Carmen Yanez of the Canary Islands, Spain, who was immediately fouled. With ice in her veins, Yanez knocked down both free throws with four seconds left to finally extinguish the Bryant threat, setting the final margin at 55-47. Beyond the scoring, the game was decided by UMBC’s ability to handle Bryant’s interior presence. The Bulldogs, who entered averaging over 70 points per game, scored 26 points in the paint but were consistently challenged by the Retrievers’ length. Nyborg, a defensive force, blocked three shots but was limited to eight points. UMBC also won the turnover battle, committing 18 to Bryant’s 20, and converted those into 11 critical points. The victory was a significant one for UMBC, snapping a two-game skid and providing a boost in conference play. For Bryant, the loss halted a four-game winning streak and served as a stark reminder of the perils of prolonged offensive silence, despite a valiant comeback effort that fell just short. Both teams return to action Saturday. UMBC will host Binghamton, while Bryant returns home to face NJIT. The teams are scheduled for a rematch in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on Feb. 26.

Preview: Bryant Bulldogs at Maryland-Baltimore County Retrievers CATONSVILLE, Md. (Interstat) — A surging Bryant team visits the Retriever Activities Center on Thursday for a women’s NCAA Division I basketball matchup against Maryland-Baltimore County. The Bulldogs (14-3) enter on a six-game winning streak, most recently defeating Albany 62-55 on Saturday. Bryant’s defense has been stifling during the run, holding four of those six opponents under 55 points. Bryant is led by forward Nia Scott, who is coming off a dominant 18-point, 12-rebound performance against Albany. Over her last seven games, Scott is averaging 14.9 points and 7.4 rebounds. She is complemented by guard Mia Mancini, who added 15 points and five assists in the win over Albany. The UMBC Retrievers (6-9) snapped a two-game skid with a 58-47 road victory at New Hampshire on Saturday. Guard Jade Tillman paces the Retrievers’ offense, averaging 18.2 points per game over her last five contests. She scored 17 points in the win over New Hampshire. Despite their record, the Retrievers have shown potency at home, including a 104-22 rout of Notre Dame on Dec. 30. They will need a similar defensive effort to slow a Bryant offense that has averaged 72.3 points during its winning streak. This contest is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Smithfield, Rhode Island, on Feb. 26. Bryant’s next game is at home against NJIT on Saturday. UMBC will host Binghamton on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.