Eva Monahan delivered the defining moment of the season opener on Wednesday night, sinking the game-winning basket with just 13 seconds remaining to secure a 61-60 victory for Rhode Island College over Brandeis at The Murray Center.
The sophomore forward from Woodstock, Connecticut, anchored an offense that overcame a stubborn 15-point deficit in the third quarter. While the Anchorwomen eventually found their rhythm, the opening minutes of the contest belonged to the visitors. Brandeis closed the first quarter on a 9-0 run, establishing a 15-8 lead that forced Rhode Island College to play from behind for the majority of the evening.
The comeback effort gained momentum in the second quarter behind the performance of freshman guard Jaizzy Santiago. In her collegiate debut, the Webster, Massachusetts native scored nine of her 13 total points during the frame, providing a necessary spark as the team trailed 30-24 at halftime. Despite her efforts, the Judges pushed their lead to 46-31 early in the third quarter.
The game turned on the defensive intensity provided by senior guard Abby Wager. Wager finished the night with five steals, including a critical takeaway with 18 seconds left on the clock that gave the Anchorwomen the ball for their final possession. Wager also contributed six points and two assists in the winning effort.
Rhode Island College managed to narrow the gap to 50-45 by the end of the third quarter, setting the stage for the final minutes. Monahan’s late-game baskets proved the difference, capping a night where she emerged as the primary offensive threat for the hosts. Santiago finished the contest with seven rebounds and five assists to complement her scoring.
The result moves Rhode Island College to 1-0 on the season, while the Brandeis Judges fall to 1-2. The Anchorwomen are scheduled to return to the court on Saturday, Nov. 14, for a 3 p.m. matchup against Johnson and Wales.
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