Top-Seeded JWU Women’s Hoops Takes Care of Elms in GNAC Quarterfinal

Johnson & Wales University Press Release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Freshman Grace Jaffray scored a game-high 29 points in 26 minutes of action for the top-seeded JWU (Providence) women’s basketball team in an 89-50 win over No. 8 Elms College Tuesday night in Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Quarterfinal action at the Wildcat Center.

Classmate Brianne Foley knocked down four triples and finished with 18 points as the Wildcats (23-2) advanced to the semifinals for the first time in eight years, where they will host No. 4 Saint Joseph (CT) Thursday at 6 p.m. Playing their first home playoff game since February 21, 2017, JWU shot 47 percent from the field (36-of-77) and outrebounded the Blazers 56-44 behind 13 from junior Mikayla Caruso and seven from both Jaffray and Foley.

Freshman and reigning GNAC Rookie of the Week Isabella Suero filled the stat sheet with 15 points, five dimes and five assists while classmate Mia Cruz collected dished out a team-high eight assists to go with six points, four rebounds, and three steals. Caruso, meanwhile, racked up eight points and four blocks.

The Wildcats raced out to a 25-13 lead after one behind 10 from Jaffray and six from Suero. They outscored the visitors 20-8 in the second to build a 24-point halftime lead (45-21). The lead swelled to as many as 45 points (77-32) late in the third on a three from freshman Gabriela D’Ambrosio.

Elms was held to 21 percent shooting – including 5-of-28 from behind the three-point arc – and committed 19 turnovers which the Wildcats turned into 17 points. JWU also outscored the visitors 32-5 on the break.