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

Stonehill, improving to 3-1, outscored Rider 43-21 after halftime, including a 25-point fourth quarter, to secure the win in front of 204 fans. The loss dropped Rider to 1-2 on the young season.

The game was a tale of two halves. Rider started strong, building a 15-12 lead after the first quarter and extending it to a 34-34 tie late in the second period. However, Stonehill closed the first half on a critical 10-0 run to take a 34-30 lead into the break and never looked back.

Stonehill guard Brooke Paquette led all scorers with 20 points, dishing out five assists to spearhead the Skyhawks’ offense. She was one of five Stonehill players to score in double figures, showcasing a balanced attack. Julia Webster, a forward, contributed 13 points, while center Reese Roggenburk and guards Ella Pelletier and Breana Delaney each added 10 points.

For Rider, guard Emmy Roach and forward Kristina Ekofo Yomane each tallied 11 points. Guard Aina Perez Mesquida facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists.

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 just 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.

The Skyhawks also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 17 of 24 attempts. Rider attempted only eight free throws, making four. Stonehill also won the battle in the paint, outscoring Rider 34-24, and held a slight edge in points off turnovers, 13-12.

The Broncs’ offense stalled after the break, scoring just 12 points in the third quarter as Stonehill built a 52-42 lead. The Skyhawks then put the game completely out of reach with their 25-point fourth-quarter outburst.

Rider entered the game following a 92-52 loss at Boston College on Wednesday. Their lone win this season was a 65-58 victory over Lafayette on Nov. 6.

Stonehill has now won two straight, including a 65-50 win over Niagara on Tuesday. Their only loss was a 90-45 defeat at Georgetown on Nov. 6.

Rider travels to face Bryant on Saturday. Stonehill’s next game is on the road at Maine on Monday.