EASTON, Mass. (Interstat) — The Stonehill Skyhawks used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the Rider Broncs, securing a 77-55 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Merkert Gymnasium.

The game was a tale of two halves, with Rider holding a narrow 34-33 lead at the break before being outscored 44-21 after halftime. The Skyhawks improved their record to 3-1, while the Broncs fell to 1-2.

Stonehill guard Brooke Paquette led all scorers with 20 points, orchestrating the offense with five assists. Her backcourt mate, Breana Delaney, added 11 points. The Skyhawks’ offense was a balanced attack, with four players reaching double figures. Forward Julia Webster contributed 13 points, while center Reese Roggenburk and guard Ella Pelletier each chipped in 11 points. Roggenburk’s presence in the paint was also felt with three assists.

For Rider, the scoring was led by guard Emmy Roach and forward Kristina Ekofo Yomane, who each tallied 11 points. Roach, hailing from Littlehampton, Australia, added a block for the Broncs. Guard Aina Perez Mesquida of Manacor, Spain, facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists.

The contest began as a defensive struggle, with both teams trading baskets in a low-scoring first quarter that ended with Rider leading 15-12. The Broncs extended their lead in the second quarter, finding success from beyond the arc and taking a slim one-point advantage into halftime.

The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter. Stonehill tightened its defense, forcing key turnovers and capitalizing on transition opportunities. A pivotal sequence saw the Skyhawks clamp down, turning a close game into a double-digit lead. The offensive execution was crisp, with Paquette and Roggenburk connecting on several key plays to fuel a 22-point quarter that gave Stonehill a 55-46 lead heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Skyhawks, who continued their relentless pace. They exploded for 25 points, their highest-scoring quarter of the night, while holding Rider to just nine. Stonehill’s ability to get to the free-throw line was a significant factor, as they attempted 24 free throws compared to Rider’s eight, making 17.

Statistically, Stonehill’s efficiency was the story of the game. The Skyhawks scored 77 points on 69 possessions, an offensive rating of 111.0, while Rider managed only 55 points on 68 possessions, an offensive rating of 81.1. Stonehill shot 45 percent from the floor, compared to Rider’s 35.6 percent. Though both teams struggled from three-point range, Stonehill’s advantage in points in the paint, 34 to 24, and their ability to convert free throws proved to be the difference.

Defensively, Stonehill forced 13 Rider turnovers while committing only 10 of their own. The Skyhawks also held a slight edge in offensive rebounds, 12 to 8, leading to more second-chance opportunities.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 204. Rider will look to rebound quickly as they travel to face Bryant on Saturday. Stonehill’s next contest is on the road Monday at Maine.