Women’s Basketball Drops Non-Conference Decision to Hunter

NEW YORK — Senior Kelly O'Donnell (Brooklyn, N.Y./St. Edmund Prep) had 24-point, 17-rebound double-double and the St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) women's basketball team (0-2) turned in a strong fourth quarter in an 85-69 non-conference loss on the road to Hunter College (1-1).

How it Happened

SJC got out to a strong start as six early points from O'Donnell helped the Bears build a 13-5 lead just under five minutes in. But Hunter closed out the period on a 12-6 run over the final three minutes and the Bears clung to a 22-21 lead at the first break.

The Hawks carried the momentum into the second and scored the first nine points of the period as the Bears struggled to find the range. The navy and gray connected on just 4-of-17 in the period and the hosts posted 30 points in the frame to take a 51-30 lead into the lockers, a lead they wouldn't relinquish.

After seeing the deficit widen after the third, the Bears tried a late comeback bid with a strong fourth as they won the final frame, 24-11. Grace Kennedy (Maspeth, N.Y./Monsignor McClancy) powered the late outburst with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting in the final 10 minutes.

For the Bears

• O'Donnell's 24 points and 17 rebounds were both game-highs. The senior recorded her second double-double in as many games to open the season —  her 34th career double-double.
• Kennedy's 17 points set a new high for her short collegiate career. Finishing in double figures for the second straight game, she shot 7-of-14 from the field and pulled down eight boards.
• Alexis Breen (Union Beach, N.J./Keyport) logged a solid all-around effort with nine points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
• It was just the fifth meeting all-time between the city schools and first since December 2016.

Next Up

The Bears return home to host Mount Saint Mary College on Saturday, November 20 in their home and Skyline opener. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m. with live stats and video available at SJCBears.com/live