The Brown women’s basketball team suffered a 68-53 defeat against Holy Cross in its home opener at the Pizzitola Sports Center on Wednesday evening. “I didn’t think we played our best game,” Elizabeth F. Turner ’98 Coaching Chair for Women’s Basketball Monique LeBlanc said. “I thought we came out flat in the first half and the team responded in the second half, we brought more energy, we were more active defensively, I think Holy Cross did a good job of knocking down some shots when we cut the lead to five.” The Bears held the advantage on the scoreboard for over six minutes in the first quarter and held a 15-6 lead with 2:37 remaining in the frame. The Crusaders launched an 11-0 run to end the first quarter as they entered the second quarter holding a 17-15 lead. In the second quarter, Holy Cross outscored Brown 15-6 as they held the Bears to 3-15 from the floor. The Crusaders closed the first half on a 9-2 run to take a 32-23 lead into halftime. In a high-scoring third quarter, Brown outscored Holy Cross 19-18, the Crusaders held a 42-28 lead with 6:24 remaining in the third but the Bears closed the frame on a 14-8 run to cut the deficit to 50-42 entering the fourth quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Gia Powell hit a three with 8:38 remaining in the fourth quarter to cut the Holy Cross lead to 52-47, following the triple from Powell, Holy Cross launched a 6-0 run to take a 58-47 lead. Following that stretch, the two sides traded buckets as Holy Cross held a 62-53 advantage with 2:38 remaining in regulation. The Crusaders put the game away with a layup to take a 64-53 lead with 2:08 remaining. Alma Ofunrein led the way for the Bears with 16 points and five rebounds on 7-9 shooting from the floor. “A lot to learn from this game,” LeBlanc added. “Early in the season it shows you to be ready to go at the opening tip-off, I’m excited to keep improving with this team. Brown will be back in action on Sunday, Nov. 17 when they welcome Lehigh to the Pizzitola Sports Center, tip-off is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on ESPN+. Fans can purchase tickets here. BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS FOUNDATION The Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) is the backbone of our athletics program, playing a crucial role in enhancing the student-athlete experience. This is possible through philanthropic support from our alumni, parents, fans, and friends. Your gift through the Sports Foundation can immediately impact today’s Brown Bears, helping them excel in the classroom, in competition, and, most importantly, in the community. Please click here to learn more about how you can support the Bears. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL For the latest on Brown Athletics, please follow @BrownU_Bears on X and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel. Categories: Sports