DUDLEY, Mass. (12/8/23) – The Nichols College women's basketball team saw a comeback attempt fall short against non-conference foe Wellesley College on Friday evening at the Nichols Athletic Center, as the Bison were unable to overcome an early deficit in a 75-69 loss. 

Nichols drops to 4-4 (1-1 CCC) with the loss, while Wellesley improves to 6-3 (0-0 NEWMAC) with their fifth consecutive victory.

Graduate guard Kiera Fernandes led the Bison in scoring with 18 points on the night, along with three boards and a pair of steals. Senior Abrianna Vazquez notched her seventh consecutive double-digit effort with 17 points scored, as well as a team-best five steals and six assists. Sophomore Alyvia Smith also broke through into double figures, contributing 11 points.  Defensively, Nichols forced 36 Blue turnovers, scoring 27 points as a result. Nichols also finished the contest shooting 31.7% (26-of-82) from the floor, 28.3% percent (13-of-46) from 3-point range and a perfect 100.0% (4-of-4) at the free throw line.
 
Despite opening the scoring, the Bison faced a difficult task early in the action with Wellesley claiming a 20-9 lead through the first 10-minutes played. The second quarter saw an improved offensive effort from the Bison, but their position did not follow suit as the visitors kept on scoring up to a 35-23 lead at the half.

The Bison offense started to come to life in the third quarter with 21 points scored, which included an 8-0 run in the early running with back-to-back three pointers by Vazquez. From there, Nichols continued to try and shave down the deficit, but struggled to contain the opponent at the other end of the court. Entering the final quarter, Nichols trailed Wellesley 54-44.

Nichols saw their best offensive output of the contest in the fourth quarter and went to work on loosening Wellesley's grip early on. Following a quick three-pointer by Fernandes to open the scoring for the Bison, the Blue returned fire with a pair of two-pointers on their next two drives. To follow, Nichols secured three consecutive baskets from behind the arc to whittle the deficit down to just four points, which in turn shifted the momentum in favor of the hosts. Nichols then went on to tie the game at 65-apiece thanks to another three-pointer by Smith but were unable to regain the lead in any fashion beyond that point. With the help of trips to the charity line, Wellesley went on to claim the 75-69 win over the Bison.  

More non-conference action is on the horizon for the Bison, who will play host to Emerson College (4-5, 0-0 NEWMAC) on Tuesday, December 12^th in their final contest before the holiday break. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00 PM from the Nichols Athletic Center.