LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Interstat) — Mount Saint Mary’s used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from Rider and secure a 70-59 victory in a Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Alumni Gymnasium.

The Mountaineers, who led by just three points at halftime, outscored the Broncs 23-17 in the pivotal third period to build a comfortable cushion they would not relinquish. The win improved Mount Saint Mary’s to 10-11 overall, while Rider fell to 4-17.

The game was a showcase for individual scoring, particularly from Rider’s Kristina Ekofo Yomane. The junior from Brussels, Belgium, delivered a spectacular performance, pouring in a game-high 32 points while adding five assists in 35 minutes. Despite her efforts, the Mountaineers’ balanced attack and key defensive adjustments after halftime proved too much for the Broncs.

Mount Saint Mary’s was led by guard Giana Hoddinott of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, who filled the stat sheet with 18 points and six assists. Forward Jaedyn Jamison of Rocky Mount, Virginia, contributed 13 points, and the Mountaineers received significant bench production. Alana Powell of Haymarket, Virginia, scored 10 points, and Amber Bullard of Philadelphia came off the bench to add 10 points in just 11 minutes of play.

The contest began as a tight, back-and-forth affair. The first quarter ended knotted at 14, and Mount Saint Mary’s took a narrow 29-26 lead into the locker room at halftime. Ekofo Yomane kept Rider close, scoring 14 of her points in the first half.

The turning point came in the third quarter. Mount Saint Mary’s tightened its defense, forcing several key Rider turnovers and converting them into transition opportunities. A critical sequence saw the Mountaineers extend a five-point lead with a 7-0 run midway through the period. The run was capped by a Deniz Torgut layup and free throw, pushing the lead to 12 and forcing a Rider timeout. The Broncs could not mount a sustained response, as the Mountaineers consistently answered every Rider basket.

Rider made a final push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to nine points on multiple occasions, but could get no closer. The Mountaineers efficiently managed the clock and converted free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

For Rider, Aliya McIver of White Plains, New York, facilitated the offense with six assists and added two blocks. Kaylan Deveney of Medford, New Jersey, chipped in five points and four assists.

The Mountaineers’ interior defense was a factor, recording five blocks, with Jamison and Zaria Harleaux of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, each contributing one. Nyodie Guerard of Quebec City provided a spark off the bench for Mount Saint Mary’s with six points.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 314. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Mount Saint Mary’s entered the game with a 76.20 percent probability to win.

Mount Saint Mary’s looks to continue its momentum when it hosts Saint Peter’s on Saturday. Rider will seek to end its skid when it returns to action at home against Manhattan next Thursday.