Jan. 4, 2008

Box Score

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. - Senior co-captains Nicole McManus and Cailtin Boulier each enjoyed their finest performance of the season as the Babson women's basketball team used a 47-point second half to defeat Drew University, 68-53, in the opening round of the Williams Invitational on Friday night. With their second victory in a row, the Beavers (3-6) advanced to Saturday's championship game, where they will face the host Ephs at 3 p.m.

After shooting just 27.6 percent (8-for-29) in the first half, Babson erupted for 47 points in the second frame on 51.7 percent shooting, as they connected on 15 of 29 attempts from the field to go along with 17 of 20 from the free throw line. That helped turn a 21-21 halftime tie into a 68-53 win.

Coming off an injury-plagued first semester, McManus returned to form with a spectacular effort for the Beavers, scoring 14 points and grabbing 13 boards for her first double-double of the season. The veteran center also added a team-high three blocked shots and recorded two steals in the win. Boulier also played well offensively, matching her season high with 16 points, while senior Linsey Poulson chipped in with nine points and 11 rebounds. The trio of first-year guards Kristy Benoit, Rebecca Bowman, and Amanda Grammel added a spark off the bench, combining for 12 points, seven assists, and six steals.