Hood edges Bison 73-71

WASHINGTON, DC--Gallaudet hosted the Hood College Blazers in continuing conference play tonight at the Field House.  The Blazers prevailed, 73-71.

The Buff and Blue jumped ahead and took a six-point lead before surrendering it to the Blazers as the visitors' long-range shooting clicked. At the end of first half action, Hood was leading by 10, 33-23 behind Blazer Jen Wilson's 10 points. Bison guard Priscilla Biskupiak led the way for the home team with eight points, while forwards Brittainy Payne and Nukeitra Hayes each had five boards.

Over the second half, the Bison cut the Blazer lead to four points, 34-38 behind a renewed offense and consistent defense. The Blazers stayed ahead of the game behind three-pointers and converting opportunities from missed Bison field goals.

Gallaudet fought back to within two points at the 12-minute mark after Brittainy Payne converted a three point play, draining a basket and making the ensuing free throw.

The Bison out-rebounded Hood 48-34 and once again cut another 10-point Blazer lead to two as time expired. Priscilla Biskupiak's potential buzzer-beating three pointer with 1.3 seconds on the clock missed its mark to the right and the Blazers picked up their first win of the season.

Blazer Jen Willison had 13 points, with Whitney Schultheis and Allyson Lethbridge both scoring 9 apiece in the second half.

Bison guard Priscilla Biskupiak nearly missed her first career triple-double, scoring 21 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds. Brittainy Payne and Nukeitra Hayes both posted double-doubles, Payne with 13 points and 12 boards to Hayes' 11 and 13.

The Bison (1-6, 0-3 CAC) travel to Villa Julie on Saturday, December 8 in the final conference matchup of 2007. Tip time is set for 2 p.m.

Guard Vanessa Arp shoots for one of her nine points against the Blazers.

Forward Victoria Crockett watches her shot as fellow mates Nukeitra Hayes and Brittainy Payne set up for the rebound.