November 15, 2022

WBB: Cook posts double-double as Panthers complete comeback over Rivier

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University women's basketball team rallied from a 17-point second quarter deficit to top Rivier University, 73-64, in a non-conference game at Foley Gymnasium on Tuesday night.

Rivier came out on fire, scoring 27 points in the first quarter, and the Raiders led 40-28 at halftime. Plymouth State continued to claw back into the deficit, finally regaining the advantage midway through the fourth quarter and the Panthers remained calm down the stretch to seal off the incredible win.

Senior Jalen Cook (Monkton, Vt.) led the Panthers with 17 points and dominated both ends of the floor with her 15 rebounds. Freshman Sophie George (Meredith, N.H.) scored a team-high 25 points of her own, while senior Autumn Nelson (Weare, N.H.) contributed 10 points to the comeback effort.

Plymouth State improves to 2-1 on the season, while the Raiders fall to 2-2.

The Basics:

• Plymouth State 73, Rivier 64
  • Plymouth State (2-1)
  • Rivier (2-2)

Top Performers:

• Jalen Cook (17 pts, 15 reb, 3-4 3pt)
• Sophie George (25 pts, 11-12 ft)
• Autumn Nelson (10 pts, 6 reb)

How it Happened:

• The Panthers opened with five points before Rivier could sink a field goal as PSU held a 5-1 advantage in the first minute of play.
• Rivier responded with a barrage of baskets, using a 13-2 run to double up the Panthers, 14-7, midway through the first quarter.
• The Raiders extended the lead to 17 in the early stages of the second, but PSU locked down defensively to slow the visitors' run and riding an 8-0 run Plymouth State was able to cut the deficit to single digits, 35-26, with 2:30 until halftime.
• Rivier responded with a 5-2 spurt to close out the quarter and take a 40-28 advantage into halftime.
• PSU roared out of the gates with a 15-3 run to cut the lead to 49-45 with 3:50 left in the third quarter, but Rivier scored the final four points of the frame for a 53-45 lead.
• The Panthers continued to chip away with senior Sarah Sweet (Narragansett, R.I.) drilling a three-pointer to give the hosts the lead for the first time since the opening minutes, 56-55, with 5:31 to play.
• The Raiders could not regain their composure as PSU sealed off the comeback bid with strong shooting at the free throw line.

By the Numbers:

• After getting off to a slow start, the Panthers shot 46.7% (7-of-15) and 41.2% (7-of-17) in the third and fourth quarters.
• PSU drained 13-of-16 (81.3%) free throws in the fourth quarter and 16-of-22 (72.7%) for the game.
• Plymouth State outrebounded the Raiders by a 49-38 margin, including 23-12 on the offensive glass.
• Bench points were in Plymouth State's favor, 16-6.
• Cook's 15 rebounds were a career high.
• PSU outscored the Raiders by a 60-37 margin after the first quarter.
• Plymouth State improves to 15-3 all-time against Rivier. The Panthers have won each of the last five meetings.

Up Next:

• Plymouth State remains at home to face Wheaton College on Saturday (Nov. 19). Opening tip is set for 1:00 p.m. at Foley Gymnasium.

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