Thrilling Finale: Bryant University Falls to Army in Last-Minute Showdown

SMITHFIELD, R.I. — The Bryant University women’s basketball team faced a tough defeat against Army, losing 59-58 in the first round of the WNIT Tournament at the Chace Athletic Center.

Despite a spirited effort, the game slipped away in the final quarter, where Bryant was outscored 17-11.

Game Overview
Bryant (17-15) had a strong start but couldn’t maintain control. Army (25-7) showed resilience, rallying back in the final moments of the game.

In the first quarter, the Bulldogs edged out Army 12-10, thanks in part to early contributions from players like Mimi Rubino and Mia Mancini. The team’s momentum continued into the second quarter with a 14-7 run, highlighted by two three-pointers from Mancini, bringing the score to 26-17.

As the teams headed into halftime, Bryant managed to keep a slim lead of 28-22 after Army closed the half with a 5-2 run.

The second half saw Bryant start strong with a 19-4 run, pushing their lead to 21 points (47-26). However, Army wasn’t done yet. They responded with a furious 16-0 run, shifting the momentum and ending the third quarter down just 47-42.

Bryant quickly added to their lead early in the fourth with a 6-0 run, going up 53-44. But Army managed to tie the game at 56 with just two and a half minutes left. Nia Scott briefly regained the lead for Bryant with two made free throws, making it 58-56. Yet Army answered with an and-one layup, sealing their victory with a free throw for the final score of 59-58.

Standout Performers
Mancini was a standout for Bryant, scoring 23 points and hitting five three-pointers. Rubino added 13 points, and Scott contributed with 12 points and eight rebounds. The Bulldogs shot an impressive 47% from the field and dominated the boards, out-rebounding Army 35-29.

Notable Game Stats

• Mancini achieved her seventh game with 20+ points.
• Rubino recorded her sixth consecutive game scoring 10 or more points.
• Scott hit double figures for the 12th time this season.

This game highlights the fierce competition in college basketball, as teams fight fiercely for opportunities in postseason tournaments. Bryant’s performance, while ultimately falling short, showcased their talent and potential.

Recent statistics from the NCAA indicate that teams often face challenges when maintaining leads, especially against strong competitors like Army. A study found that teams leading by double digits in the second half lose approximately 25% of the time, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the sport.

As the season winds down, fans and analysts alike are looking towards next year, hoping to see Bryant come back stronger and more resilient.

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