
Newtown, Pa: On December 17, 2024, Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) hosted Bucks County Community College in a women's basketball matchup that concluded with a decisive 58-44 victory for the home team. The game, held at RCSJ, showcased a strong performance from the hosts, particularly in the third quarter, which proved pivotal in securing their win.
**Game Breakdown:**
The first quarter saw a slow start from both teams, with RCSJ leading 12-7. Bucks County struggled to find their rhythm, and RCSJ capitalized on this, maintaining a narrow lead. The second quarter was more competitive, with Bucks County outscoring RCSJ 17-12, bringing the halftime score to a close 24-24 tie.
The third quarter was the turning point for RCSJ. They dominated the period with a 21-6 run, thanks to a combination of strong defense and effective shooting. This surge gave them a comfortable lead heading into the final quarter. Despite a valiant effort from Bucks County in the fourth quarter, where they outscored RCSJ 14-13, the deficit proved too large to overcome.
**Key Performers:**
- **Gianna Baldino** led RCSJ with an impressive 18 points, shooting 7-14 from the field and contributing significantly to the team's third-quarter success.
- **Ana Patino** was a force on the boards, securing 11 rebounds and adding 15 points, showcasing her all-around game.
- **Jocelyn Rodriguez** and **Armani Mejia** also made notable contributions, with Rodriguez adding 10 points and Mejia scoring 11.
RCSJ's defense was a standout aspect of their game, forcing turnovers and limiting Bucks County's scoring opportunities. The team collectively recorded 42 steals, a testament to their aggressive defensive strategy.
**Team Statistics:**
- RCSJ shot 31.2% from the field, a figure they will look to improve in future games.
- They were efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 75% of their three-point attempts (3-4).
- Free throw shooting was solid at 70% (7-10).