WEST HARTFORD, Conn. – The University of Saint Joseph got a strong effort from its bench in an 86-50 victory over Mitchell College on Thursday night in non-conference women's basketball action at the O'Connell Center.

Kara Thibodeau came off the bench and led four USJ players in double figures with 16 points while Heather Framski had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sophomore Jessica Shepherd led Mitchell with a game-high 20 points in the return to her hometown, and senior Dazjavia Williams contributed eight points, a career-high 17 rebounds and four steals.
 
Framski was the only USJ starter who scored in double digits. The Blue Jays held a 53-8 edge in bench points thanks in part to Thibodeau, Lindsey Dionne (12 points) and Rajeen Mayo (11). The Blue Jays also scored 40 points off 33 forced turnovers. Thibodeau added six assists and four steals for USJ and Brianna Ferraro had five steals and four assists.
 
USJ (3-1 overall) shot just 4-for-16 from the free throw line in the first half and the Blue Jays held a slim 32-28 halftime lead. Thibodeau had eight points in a 19-7 run to start the second half as the lead ballooned to 51-35 just six minutes into the half, and USJ slowly eased away in the closing stages.

The 20-point outing was Shepherd's second of the young season. She also finished with 24 points in the opener against Albertus Magnus College. It also marked her third career game with 20+ points.
 
Mitchell (0-3 overall) returns to action at home against Regis College on Tuesday, December 2 at 6 p.m.