PATCHOGUE – A strong end to the first half was not enough for the City College of New York women's basketball team (0-3) as the Golden Eagles of St. Joseph's College (2-1), led by Amanda Bender's 36 points, went on a run of their own in the second half to pull away with a 70-49 victory in Saturday afternoon's nonconference contest at the Danzi Athletic Center.

Syreeta Williams posted a team-high 15 points and pulled down five offensive rebounds and reigning City University of New York Athletic Conference / Applebee's Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week Bria Fisher recorded 11 points, seven rebounds and two steals in just her third game of her collegiate career.

Down by as much as 13 in the first half, the Beavers overcame a slow start and entered halftime on a 13-3 run and down just three, 31-28. With just over five minutes to play in the opening half, CCNY's defense held the Golden Eagles to 1-for-8 shooting and four turnovers to cut its double-digit point deficit to one possession.

Second chance points were the story in the second half as the Beavers came out and pulled two offensive boards before forcing two turnovers and cutting St. Joseph's lead to one, 33-32. The Golden Eagles and Beavers traded baskets back and forth until St. Joseph's went on a 17-3 run to outlast CCNY.

Kendra Rivers, who was a key component in CCNY's run to end the first half, scored eight points and added five rebounds in her first game of the 2012-2013 campaign.

The Beavers begin CUNYAC play on Friday evening as CCNY hosts Medgar Evers College in their 2012-13 season opener at 5 PM at Nat Holman Gymnasium.

For full coverage of Beavers basketball, please visit CCNYAthletics.com, the home of CCNY sports and follow @CCNYSports on Twitter.