BRISTOL, R.I. - The Smith College basketball team captured a 67-63 road win over No. 20 Roger Williams University Thursday evening in non-conference action. The Pioneers have now won 10 in a row and improve to 14-1 this season. 

Inside the Numbers

• Dashelle Gleissner (Los Angeles, Calif./Serra) totaled 21 points, three assists and two steals, while Jessie Ruffner (Rocklin, Calif./Rocklin) registered 12 points, six rebounds and two assists
• Katelyn Pickunka (Westhampton, Mass./Hampshire) tallied eight points, 11 rebounds, one assists and one steal as Ally Yamada (Seal Beach, Calif./Fairmont Prep Academy) finished with eight points, two assists and three steals
• Smith shot 44.0 percent (22-of-50) from the floor, 40.0 percent (6-of-15) from three-point range, and 77.3 percent (17-of-22) from the free throw line
• The Pioneers outrebounded the Hawks 30-26

 
How It Happened
Smith played stifling defense on the Hawks over the first four minutes of play. Gleissner got things started for the Pioneers with a step-back jumper and a three for a quick 5-0 lead. Sam Mancinelli answered with a wide-open three for the Hawks, but points were still hard to come by as RWU only managed five points in the first seven minutes. However, RWU rallied late in the period to make it a 16-20 game after one.
 
A three-pointer by Katie Galligan made the score 27-22 in favor of the Pioneers as Smith would score seven-straight and went into the half ahead 36-25.
 
After a Pickunka layup to start the third, the Hawk offense went on an 11-0 run to pull within two.  Entering the fourth, the Pioneers held a slim 44-41 lead.

The Hawks knocked down a pair of free throws with 3:22 left to give RWU their first lead of the game, 51-50. On the next possession, Gleissner stole the ball and was given a clear-path foul, allowing her to sink a free throw and tie the game. A three-point play by Gleissner in the final 1:30 and success at the free-throw line allowed Smith to give RWU its first loss of the season.
 
Up Next
Smith returns home and will host Mount Holyoke College Saturday, January 29 at 2:00 p.m.

About Smith Athletics: Smith College is a NCAA Division III member of the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference that sponsors 11 intercollegiate sports. For more information log on to smithpioneers.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.