Bryant University Press Release SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Ali Brigham of the Bryant University women’s basketball team recorded a 17-point and 10-rebound double-double in her Bulldog debut as the Black and Gold earned a 65-50 home victory against Merrimack in the season opener. Mia Mancini had 11 points and converted three from deep while tallying three steals. Nia Scott and Maranda Nyborg both had two steals. Game Information Bryant 65, Merrimack 50 Records: Bryant (1-0) (0-0), Merrimack (0-1), (0-0) Location: Chace Athletic Center (Smithfield, R.I.) Key Moment The Warriors cut the lead to five in the fourth before the Bulldogs executed an 8-1 run, extending the lead to 12 (56-44). How it Happened The Warriors began the first four minutes on a 4-0 run before Mancini cut the run with her first three of the season (4-3). Merrimack countered with a three of their own before the Bulldogs tallied four quick points by Martina Boba and Brigham to tie the game at seven. The Black and Gold closed the first quarter outscoring the Warriors 13-4 to earn a 20-11 advantage. Both teams scored a bucket to begin the second quarter, including Olivia Fernandez, who tallied her first collegiate points (22-13). Merrimack cut the deficit to six (26-20) before Mancini nailed a three with four minutes left in the half (29-20). The Warriors responded with a 7-2 run, and then Silvia Gonzalez hit a wing three on the dish from Brigham to give Bryant a 34-27 advantage at the half. The Bulldogs came out in the second half on fire. Scoring six quick points to the Warriors two in the first three minutes (40-29). Both teams went scoreless for the next four minutes, and then Merrimack tallied a layup, which was countered by a Boba three-pointer (43-31). Merrimack would score six to end the quarter, and Mancini tallied five on a three and layup, making the score 48-37 heading into the fourth. The Warriors scored a quick six points to open the fourth, forcing a Bulldog timeout (48-43). Bryant responded with an 8-1 run led by Brigham (2), Brielle Williams (2), Nyborg (2), and Nia Scott (2), giving the Bulldogs a 56-44 lead with six remaining. The Bulldogs concluded the game, tallying nine points to the Warriors six, resulting in a 65-50 win. Stats Brigham posted a 17-point and 10 reb double-double in her Bulldog debut. Mancini had 13 points and three made from deep. Nyborg registered nine points and seven boards. Boba tallied eight points and seven boards. Mancini had three steals; Nyborg and Scott recorded two each. The Bulldogs outrebounded Merrimack 47-38.  Notes Brigham posted her third career double-double. Mancini recorded her 22nd game with multiple three-pointers and 21st double-figure scoring game. Boba has had a steal in 28 career games. The Bulldogs improve to 11-5 at the Chace under Lynne-Ann Kokoski.  Next Up The Bulldogs welcome Bridgewater State on Friday. Categories: College Sports, Sports Tags: Bryant Bulldogs, Bryant University