NEWPORT, R.I. -- Salve Regina University women's basketball graduate student Briana Neary led a furious second-half rally but to no avail as Babson College won, 87-75, in NEWMAC action at the Rodgers Recreation Center in Newport, Rhode Island, on Saturday afternoon. Neary finished with a season-high 38 points on 11-of-17 from the floor and an amazing 16-for-16 from the free throw line.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Babson 87, Salve Regina 75
Records: Salve Regina (9-7, 2-1 NEWMAC), Babson (9-8, 2-2 NEWMAC)
History: These programs meet for the 19th time and second as fellow members of the NEWMAC. Katelyn Mollica finished with 18 points to lead four Beavers in double figures and help Babson defeat visiting Salve Regina, 78-64, last year inside Staake Gymnasium. Samantha Reale contributed 15 points, six rebounds and four steals. Sofia Neary led all players with 21 points and 13 rebounds to pace the Seahawks. Briana Neary scored 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting and Ashley Rourke finished with 15 points in the loss. Babson now leads the series, 14-5.

SUMMARY

• 1Q | . | Beavers 24, Seahawks 7
• 2Q | . | Beavers 21, Seahawks 18
• 3Q | . | Seahawks 29, Beavers 23
• 4Q | . | Seahawks 21, Beavers 19

NOTEWORTHY

• Briana Neary matches her career-high just one year and one day after scoring 38 points in a road win against Emerson College (January 24, 2024).
• Her 16 free throw attempts are also a career high and naturally so are the 16 makes.
• Sofia Neary had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
• Amanda Folan had double digit scoring (12 points) on three treys and three free throws.

ON THE HORIZON
Salve Regina continues its homestand with a 7:30 p.m. tip-off against Emerson College at the Rodgers Recreation Center on Wednesday, January 29.