DUDLEY, Mass. (2/3/24) – The Nichols College women's basketball team could not overcome a rocky first half against the University of New England on Saturday afternoon, as they fell to the Nor'easters, 113-83 in conference play at the Nichols Athletic Center.

With the loss, the Bison drop to 9-11 (5-7 CCC) on the season while the Nor'easters improve to 15-6 (10-3 CCC).

Graduate guard Kiera Fernandes led a group of four Bison in double-figures with 20 points on 7-of-15 shooting, while sophomore Adriana Romano finished close behind with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists, and three steals. Alyvia Smith added 13 points, along with three steals, while Abrianna Vazquez collected 11 points.

By the five-minute mark in the first quarter, the Nor'easters had gained a 12-point advantage over the Bison at 17-5. However, through the latter five minutes of the period, the Bison discovered their offensive groove and shaved the deficit down to under ten points with a six unanswered points. To close out the quarter, Fernandes went on to score the final six points of the period for the Bison, who trailed the Nor'easters 29-20 after 10 minutes of play.

In the second quarter, the Bison had to weather the storm as the Nor'easters outscored them 30-14 to further their lead to 25 points at the half.

Fernandes helped the Bison offense get back on track out of the break as she connected for their first five points. However, Nichols still struggled to solve UNE's relentless offense, as the guest lead never dipped below 20 points in the quarter. Despite outscoring UNE 30-29, the Bison still trailed the opposition by 24 points at the end of three.

UNE did not allow Nichols to gain any ground in the fourth quarter, and eventually grew their lead to as many as 31 points.  The Nor'easters outscored their opponents in the final ten minutes of action, 25-19, en route to the 113-83 victory.

Women's basketball will take a quick break from conference play with a matchup at Anna Maria College (9-12, 3-8 GNAC) on Monday, February 5^th at 6:00 PM.