Paladino & Prusko Lead RIC to, 62-41, Win Over Johnson & Wales

More news about: Rhode Island College

Providence, R.I.-Junior forward Cara Paladino (Arlington, MA) posted a double-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks, while classmate guard Stephanie Prusko (Lincoln, RI) contributed 12 points, four boards and four steals, as Rhode Island College cruised by Johnson & Wales, 62-41, on Wednesday evening.

 

RIC (7-3) sophomore guard Megan Sewall (Portsmouth, RI) chipped in with eight points, six rebounds and three assists.

 

JWU (3-5) sophomore guard Natalie DiCocco (Media, PA) and junior guard Jenna Juron (Burnt Hills, NY) each scored a game-high 14 points. Senior forward Ayla Walter (Mount Pleasant, SC) grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.

 

The Anchorwomen shot 45 percent (24-for-53) from the field, 20 percent (2-for-10) from three-point land and 71 percent (12-for-17) from the free throw line. The Wildcats shot just 18 percent (10-for-55) from the field, 23 percent (3-for-13) from downtown and 72 percent (18-for-25) from the charity stripe.

 

Both teams turned the ball over, as JWU lost control 24 times, while the visitors committed 23 turnovers. RIC held a decisive advantage on the glass, outrebounding the Wildcats, 47-35.

 

 The game was close in the early going as JWU tied the game at 11 on two Walter free throws with 11:41 left to go in the first half. RIC went on an 11-2 run, paced by six points from Sewall, to give the Anchorwomen a 22-13 lead with six minutes remaining.

 

 DiCocco cut the deficit to five points, 22-17, with 4:36 left, but RIC ripped off a 7-2 run, keyed by a three-pointer by senior forward Melanie Cline (Glocester, RI), to go into halftime up by 10, 29-19.

 

 The Anchorwomen held a double-digit lead to start the second half. DiCocco nailed a three to make it 35-28 with 13:44 left, but that would be as close as the Wildcats would get as RIC cruised to the win.

 

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Roger Williams on Thursday, Jan. 3 (5:30 p.m.).