ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – The St. Bonaventure University women's basketball team could not overcome a three-point barrage from Duquesne, falling 94-62 Wednesday evening at the Reilly Center.
Nikki Oppenheimer led the way for the Brown and White with a new career-high 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Breauna Ware tallied 17 points while I'yanna Lops chipped in 12.
The Dukes (16-10, 6-7 A-10) jumped out of the gates quick, making 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc and shooting 53 percent overall in the first quarter to take a 31-14 advantage after one.
Duquesne's hot shooting carried into the second as its lead grew to as many as 27 points in the quarter and led the Bonnies, 50-26, heading into halftime.
The Bonnies (5-24, 2-12 A-10) were able to pull back within 22 in the third period, but the Dukes used a 13-2 spurt to pull away once again.
Nadechka Laccen looked to give the Bonnies life as the third quarter horn sounded, banking home a half court shot as time expired.
It would be for not as the Dukes held on to their double-digit lead, earning the road victory Wednesday.
Duquesne finished the night 20-for-33 (60.6 percent) from three-point range.
The Bonnies return to action Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Reilly Center when they host VCU. Tip is slated for 4:00 p.m. Bona's will honor I'yanna Lops, Nikki Oppenheimer, Claire Cody, Kaitlyn Parker and Tianna Johnson prior to tip Saturday afternoon. At halftime, the Bonnies will unveil a banner in the rafters honoring program greats Hilary Waltman and Kathy Lynch.
-----
For the latest news on St. Bonaventure athletics, stay connected on social media. Follow the Bonnies on Twitter @GoBonnies and get women's basketball updates @BonniesWBB. Keep up with the Bonnies on Facebook /GoBonnies and on Instagram @GoBonnies.
