SPRINGFIELD, Mass.—A high-scoring first half led host Western New England to a triumph over Gordon College on Saturday (December 3, 2016) afternoon. The Fighting Scots kept things close for the first 12 minutes of regulation, but the Golden Bears turned on the jets at the close of the first half and never looked back on their way to a second consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference win to start the year.

The Golden Bears improve to 4-2 and 2-0 in the CCC, while Gordon dips to 2-4 and 1-1 in conference play. The Fighting Scots will look to get back on track on Tuesday at Curry for a 5:30 p.m. tip.

The Fighting Scots fell behind by double digits early in the game, but battled their way back to a manageable deficit at 25-19 when Olivia Stark (Arvada, Colo.) hit a three with eight minutes to play in the second quarter. However, a 16-2 run by the Golden Bears put the Scots chances in serious jeopardy as the two teams headed to end of the half. Western New England held a 45-23 lead after 20 minutes.

Gordon found a better offensive rhythm in the second half, scoring more than 20 points in each the third and fourth, but Western New England's efficient attack proved too much. The Golden Bears shot over 55 percent from the field for the contest and doubled up the Scots 42-21 on the boards to create an attack full of multiple chances.

Gordon shot a season best 14 of 18 from the free throw line, but ran out of possessions in the second half to mount a big comeback. The Fighting Scots won the turnover battle for the second time this season despite the loss.

Meghan Foley (Malden, Mass.), Jess Ryan (Milford, N.H.) and Stark all finished with eight points to lead the Gordon offense. Sophie Linnell (Richmond, Va.) and Jamie Tafoya (Fort Collins, Colo.) each chipped in seven. Foley also led the Scots with five rebounds and four assists.

Western New England had six players with at least 10 points, led by talent point guard Dorothy O'Neill with 18 points and six assists. Paige Young had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Almost two-third of Gordon's points came from its bench.