MEDFORD, Mass. - The top-ranked Tufts University women's basketball team edged 17th-ranked Bowdoin, 46-43, in a hard-fought NESCAC battle on Friday evening at Cousens Gymnasium.

The Jumbos remain unbeaten at 11-0 (1-0 NESCAC) while the Polar Bears fall to 10-2 (0-1 NESCAC).

Game Highlights

• Bowdoin jumped to a quick start, grabbing a 17-11 lead in the first quarter behind seven points from Abigail Kelly
• Tufts answered with a strong second quarter and used a late 7-0 run before halftime, capped by a Sadie Otley three-pointer, to tie the game 25-25 at intermission.
• Both teams struggled from the field in the third quarter, combining for just 14 points. Tufts carried a 34-30 lead into the fourth quarter.
• Bowdoin opened the final period on a 10-1 run, sparked by two more Kelly three-pointers, to take a 40-35 edge with 6:22 remaining.
• Tufts rallied at the free throw line, scoring four consecutive points from the stripe to tie the game at 42-42 with 2:53 to go.
• Following a missed jumper by Bowdoin, Tufts got a huge three-pointer from Melissa Baptista with 2:04 on the clock to take a 45-42 advantage.
• Tufts would not relinquish the lead from there as Bowdoin scored just one point in the final 3:35. A desperation three-pointer missed at the buzzer as the top-ranked Jumbos escaped with the win.

By The Numbers

• Abigail Kelly led all players with 21 points, including five three-pointers.
• Lauren Dillon paced Tufts with 11 points.
• Bowdoin owned a 37-29 edge in rebounding but Tufts took 24 free throws to Bowdoin's 14, including a 12-4 advantage in free throws in the fourth quarter to help spark the comeback.
• Both teams struggled from the field, connecting on 30% from the field.
• Bowdoin committed 30 turnovers while Tufts turned the ball over 22 times

Up Next

• Bowdoin travels to Bates on Saturday for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off