Meredith College squeaks past Bison

WASHINGTON, DC--The women's basketball team opened its 2007 slate at home against Meredith College's Avenging Angels in a 48-45 loss. While the Angels got on board first off a Suzanne Gasperini trey, the Bison took the lead off a Kari Olney jumper near the halfway point of first half action.

When the halftime buzzer rang, the Angels had built a eight point lead off Bison turnovers. Post players Brittainy Payne and Nukeitra Hayes led the Buff and Blue scoring output with 7 and 6 points, with a combined 13 of the team's 28 rebounds.

The Angels were led by Nicole Hall's 7 points off fast breaks and layups between the blocks. Gallaudet was leading the battle of the boards, with 28 rebounds to Meredith's 18.

Both teams came out strong and produced an entirely different second half. The Buff and Blue overcame a 10-point deficit and tied the game with 3:54 to go off a Heather Daley tip-in. Over this half, Gallaudet shot 44% and was 78% from the charity stripe.

Nukeitra Hayes posted her third straight double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Priscilla Biskupiak netted a game-high16 points and 8 rebounds. Her potential buzzer-beating trey rimmed out at the last minute in an attempt to force overtime.

Meredith was paced by Nicole Hall's 14-point effort. The Angels pulled out a win despite being outrebounded 46-39. The telling factor was within the free throw percentages: Meredith shot 69% to Gallaudet's 53.

The Bison (0-3, 0-0 CAC) take on John Jay College on Sunday in the consolation game at 1 p.m. The championship game will feature Lebanon Valley and Meredith, at 3. Lebanon Valley defeated John Jay 79-21 today.

Freshman Nukeitra Hayes as she battles en route to her third straight career double-double.

Guard Kari Olney weaves through traffic and lets one go against the Angels in Saturday night action at the Field House.

Guard Priscilla Biskupiak grabs hang time as she works on her 16-point night.