SMITHFIELD, R.I. (Interstat) — The Bryant Bulldogs used a dominant second-half performance to pull away from the Central Connecticut Blue Devils for a 71-50 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Monday night at Chace Athletic Center.

In the season opener for both teams, the Bulldogs shook off a slow start and a significant first-quarter deficit, overwhelming the Blue Devils after halftime with a combination of defensive pressure and balanced scoring. The victory gave Bryant a winning start to its campaign, while Central Connecticut was left to search for its first win.

The game began in a fashion that few of the 150 in attendance could have anticipated, as Central Connecticut came out with explosive offensive force. The Blue Devils carved through the Bryant defense in the opening period, piling up 24 points to establish a commanding early lead. The Bulldogs, by contrast, struggled to find their rhythm, managing only 16 points in the first quarter and facing an eight-point hole.

The pace slowed considerably in the second quarter as both teams tightened their defenses. Central Connecticut’s offensive output plummeted to just 11 points, but their defense was equally effective, holding Bryant to 12 points in the frame. The Blue Devils maintained a seven-point advantage heading into the locker room at halftime, leading 35-28 and appearing poised for an upset on the road.

Any momentum Central Connecticut carried into the break was swiftly extinguished in the third quarter. The Bulldogs emerged with renewed energy, beginning the process of chipping away at the deficit. Bryant’s offense began to click, scoring 18 points in the period, while their defense clamped down, limiting the Blue Devils to a mere 10 points. The surge brought Bryant back into the game, setting the stage for a decisive final act.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Bulldogs. They unleashed a 25-point offensive explosion, their highest-scoring quarter of the night, while completely shutting down the weary Central Connecticut attack. The Blue Devils could muster only five points in the final ten minutes, watching their lead evaporate and then transform into a substantial deficit. Bryant’s 43-15 scoring advantage across the second half turned a potential loss into a comfortable 21-point victory.

Bryant’s win was a testament to its depth and balanced scoring attack. Five different Bulldogs players finished in double figures, showcasing a multifaceted offense that Central Connecticut ultimately could not contain.

Nia Scott, a 6-foot-1 guard from Medford Lakes, New Jersey, was a workhorse for the Bulldogs, playing 36 minutes and leading all scorers with 15 points while adding an assist. Her backcourt partner, Mimi Rubino of Pequannock, New Jersey, also tallied 15 points and dished out a team-high five assists in 31 minutes of action.

The Bulldogs received significant contributions from their frontcourt as well. Maranda Nyborg, a 6-foot-3 presence from Bethel, Connecticut, provided a strong interior presence, scoring 13 points and grabbing two assists in 26 minutes. Mia Mancini of Mansfield, Massachusetts, matched Nyborg’s 13 points and tied Rubino for the team lead with five assists.

Rounding out the double-digit scorers for Bryant was Martina Boba of Argentona, Spain. The 6-foot-1 player contributed nine points and four assists in a team-high 35 minutes on the court. Rose Nelson of Wallacia, Australia, added two points and two assists in 13 minutes of play. The Bulldogs also received a minute from Abbey Lindsey of Staten Island, New York, while Azanah Campbell, Madara Liepniece and Giselle Davis were on the roster but did not see playing time.

The loss drops Central Connecticut to an 0-1 record to begin the season. The Blue Devils will look to secure their first win when they travel to face Providence on Monday, Nov. 10. Their early-season schedule remains challenging, with home games against Sacred Heart on Nov. 13 and Massachusetts-Lowell on Nov. 15, followed by a road contest at Saint John’s on Nov. 24.

Bryant, now 1-0, will aim to build on this comeback victory when it returns to the Chace Athletic Center to host Cornell on Friday, Nov. 7. The Bulldogs then face a stretch of road games, traveling to Marist on Nov. 11, Merrimack on Nov. 19, and Stonehill on Nov. 22 before returning home to face Rider on Nov. 15.