Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell University
Rider
Scoring Drought Sends Bucknell Women's Basketball to 63-43 Loss at Rider
11/13/2011 7:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 13, 2011
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LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. - Bucknell women's basketball held a four-point halftime lead, but a scoring drought of considerable proportions erased that quickly as the Bison ultimately fell 63-43 to Rider at Alumni Gymnasium on Sunday evening. The Bison scored just one field goal in the second half, sending them their first loss of the season. Christina Chukwuedo (Monessen, Pa./Monessen) led Bucknell (1-1) with a career-best 16 points.
Bucknell's 36-32 halftime was courtesy of a rare scoring outburst from Chukwuedo. The senior entered the game never having scored more than nine points but erupted for 14 in the first half against Rider (2-0). Not the only Bison to reach double-digit scoring in the first half, Chukwuedo was joined by Felicia Mgbada (Edison, N.J./Blair Academy) with 10 points. No other player had more than two points for Bucknell at the break.
Chukwuedo's and Mgbada's offensive output kept the Bison in contention throughout the opening half, and the Bucknell defense, complete with double teams at the top of the key, made it interesting. Bucknell did not allow a shot to the Broncs on either of their first two possessions. Not until later in the half did Rider start making inroads with its interior play, but the Bison answered each time.
With 4:30 left in the frame, the teams found themselves tied at 26-26. Two minutes later and Rider had failed to make another bucket. Bucknell scored six unanswered points to take a lead that it held until the break.
Although it trailed at halftime, Rider was the team that came out of the locker room looking more crisp and confident. A zone defense slowed Bucknell down and the result was a stalled out offense. The Bison managed just one field goal in the second half, a baseline jumper from Amy Zehner (Tamaqua, Pa./Tamaqua Area) and added just five free throws during that time as well.
Rider created more space for itself as it found its outside shooting touch. Ali Heller gave the Broncs its first lead since 24-22 after hitting back-to-back three pointers. With 14:24 left in the game, Rider pulled in front 40-38.
With Bucknell unable to find the bottom of the net, that lead continued to grow over the remainder of the game. When the contest came to a close, the Bison were 1-for-21 (.048) from the field in the second half and 18-for-50 (.360) for the game. Rider finished at 25-for-53 (.434) from the field overall. The Broncs were 7-for-17 (.412) from three point range as well.
Rider put three players in double-digit scoring and two had double-doubles. MyNeshia McKenzie tallied 16 points and 12 boards, while Caitlin Bopp finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Mgbada finished the evening with 11 points and nine rebounds.
Bucknell will be back at home on Wednesday, Nov. 16 when it hosts Youngstown State. Tipoff at Sojka Pavilion is set for 7 p.m.
