Second-half surge helps top ranked Villa Maria pull away from Bobcats

Buffalo, NY - For the second time this season the Bryant & Stratton College of Rochester Bobcats faced off with the #1 Ranked (USCAA Division I) Villa Maria Vikings. The Vikings beat the Bobcats in early December in Rochester. This meeting would be in Buffalo and saw Villa Maria riding a 10 game win streak.

Rochester came out this time determined to even out the series and knock off the Vikings. The Bobcats were able to control tempo and keep the score in their favor for the first six minutes of the game. Villa would go on a run to take a 10 point lead at halftime. Rochester was still in the hunt at the break with a rebounding advantage and holding the Vikings to 0-2 from three point range. Unfortunately, the Bobcats had already committed 11 turnovers. 

Out of the break, the Vikings got hot and ran out to a 31 point lead within the first 9 minutes of the second half with the help of 24 free throw attempts in the last twenty minutes. Twice, Rochester would make a run and cut the lead to 15 points but would run out of steam and the final would ultimately end up 31. 

Up next for the 'Cats: the first of two meetings with their sister school out of the Capital District as they travel to face Bryant & Stratton College of Albany on Friday, January 25th at 730pm.