NASHUA, N.H. -- Simmons Basketball had an outstanding first half, but the Rivier University Raiders  overcame a tough start to the game, rebounding in the second half for a 72-59 win over the Sharks this evening at the Muldoon Gymnasium in Great Northeast Athletic Conference action. The win lifts the Raiders' overall record to 18-6 with an 8-2 mark in the GNAC. Simmons falls to 3-18 overall and 1-9 in the GNAC.

Simmons sophomore Jen Janiak (Chelmsford, Mass.) was outstanding from 3-point land as she was a stellar 6-for-9 as she matched Deanna Purcell with 22 points for the game high. Senior Leah Davis (Cranston, RI) added 11 points off the bench for the Sharks while freshman Ashley McAdams (Freeport, NY) and sophomore Nicole Alberghini (Northborough, Mass.) each pulled down 7 rebounds.

Four different Raiders hit the double-digit plateau tonight as junior Deanna Purcell (Hudson, NH) led all scorers with 22 points. Senior AJ Guidi (Derry, NH) connected on 4-of-8 from beyond the arc as she finished with 16 points and senior Ryan Baker (Whitinsville, Mass.) had 10 points and a team high 7 rebounds. Senior Laura Yesu (Longmeadow, Mass.) also added 10 points in a reserve effort for Rivier.

The Raiders will return to action on Saturday afternoon as they host Anna Maria College. It is also SeniorSaturday as the six seniors will be honored prior to the start of the game. Simmons will wrap up their regular season with a 1 PM game at Mount Ida on Saturday afternoon.