Northampton, Mass.--Sophomore guard Madison Medbury (Scituate, R.I.) poured in a career-high 18 points as the Rhode Island College women's basketball team defeated The College of New Jersey, 78-68, in semifinal action of Smith's Tyler Tip-Off Tournament hosted on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 78, The College of New Jersey 68
Rhode Island College (1-0)
The College of New Jersey (1-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• RIC jumped out to an 8-2 lead after a jump shot by sophomore forward Angelina Nardolillo (Hinsdale, N.H.). TCNJ then took command and built a six-point, 21-15, lead going into the second quarter.
 
• With five minutes left in the first half, the Lions owned a 30-24 lead. The Anhcorwomen would cut their deficit down to a pair, 34-32, thanks to buckets from Nardollilo and senior guard Antonia Corsinetti (Johnston, R.I.).
 
• After a back-and-forth battle between the two squads, RIC was able to take its first lead since the first quarter at the 2:24 mark of the third stanza after a layup by senior center Neleesha Neunier (Leominster, Mass.) gave the Anchorwomen a 49-48.
 
• RIC went on a 12-0 run to end the third quarter to head into the final quarter with a 56-48 advantage.
 
• TCNJ brought the game within three points, 65-62, after a three-ball by senior guard Sydney Blum (Newtown, Pa.) with six minutes remaining. RIC would then expand its lead to 78-64 and coasted to the win from there.
 
• Medbury added four rebounds and three steals to her scoring output.
 
• Senior guard Jeniyah Jones (Randolph, Mass.) had 13 points to go along with eight rebounds and a pair of steals.
 
• Blum dropped in a game-high 21 points and seven rebounds. Senior guard Izzy Leazier (State College, Pa.) contributed 16 points.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will face host Smith in the finals of the Tyler Tip-Off Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 13 (4 p.m.).