Army Throttles Bryant in Second Half Comeback

SMITHFIELD, RI – Army West Point women’s basketball (5-3, 0-0) completed the second half comeback to capture the win over Bryant (2-8, 0-0), 74-50, on Wednesday afternoon.

Army’s dominant second half comeback was powered by five Black Knights scoring in double-digit figures. Kamryn Hall led the way with a career-best of 19 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Sabria Hunter notched her fifth double-double of the season with 10 points and 11 rebounds. The bench was strong for the Black Knights as Sam McNaughton stepped up for the team scoring 12 points along with four steals, followed by Lindsey Scamman recording seven rebounds, one block, three steals, and 12 points. Hope Brown was another player who came in hot off the bench with 10 points.

The first quarter was dominated by Bryant, as the Bulldogs had a 7-0 advantage three minutes in the quarter. Army had trouble keeping Bryant out of the paint, letting the Bulldogs score 12 points in the lane. The Black Knights battled back to stay on the Bulldogs’ heels with help from Hall who scored five points in the quarter, but early fouls hurt the Cadets, who had seven while only drawing two from Bryant.

Army got points on the board first in the second quarter, cutting Bryant’s lead to three (21-18). Hall and Scamman helped on the scoring front with five points each. Bryant was able to keep its lead over Army heading into the half, 36-29, as the Black Knights continued to have trouble in the paint with the Bulldogs.

Army took control of the third quarter from the start, outscoring Bryant 23-5. The Black Knights’ second half momentum started off a three pointer from Brown off a turnover by Bryant. Army went on to score 10 points in one minute to take the lead from the Bulldogs (44-40). McNaughton played a big role in the Black Knights’ scoring run contributing five points and two steals. The Black Knights kept Bryant without a field goal for almost nine and a half minutes in the third quarter. Army finished the quarter with an 11-point lead over Bryant, 52-42. The Cadets forced the Bulldogs into eight turnovers, picking up five steals and 10 points off turnovers. Army battled on the boards scoring 10 points off second chances while holding Bryant to four points.

The Black Knights picked up where they left off opening the quarter with a 8-0 scoring run. Army was able to keep its offensive pace and capitalized at the free throw line, scoring 12 points from the line. Army won 74-50 over Bryant to complete the thrilling second half comeback.

“I was disappointed with our first half intensity and execution. However this team showed me who they want to become with their second half performance. Our defense demonstrated 20 minutes of tenacity which propelled our offensive output. I am proud of this team and how they locked in during the second half,” said head coach Missy Traversi
Army will be on a 20-day hiatus before hitting the road for its final nonconference game of the season at Yale.