NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology turned a 13-point halftime deficit within five points in the fourth quarter, before New Paltz pulled away to earn a 54-40 women's basketball victory at the Music City Classic on Monday.
New Paltz held a 29-16 halftime advantage, before the Fightin' Engineer defense helped Rose-Hulman get back into the game with a 12-4 third quarter. The Engineer defensive effort held New Paltz to just 4-of-32 from three-point range to rally within 33-28 with 1:34 left in the third quarter. Two free throws from Jordan Barlow and a jumper from Desirae Webster capped the rally.
New Paltz relied on a strong 16-point, 13-rebound double-double from Maddie Van Pelt to help pull away in the final quarter. Marion Dietz added a pair of three-pointers for the victors in the fourth quarter.
Webster and Rose Burnham reached double figures with 10 points each to lead Rose-Hulman. Barlow and Hannah Woody scored eight points each for the Fightin' Engineers. Burnham recorded her first career double-double with a 12-rebound performance.
New Paltz improved to 6-2 overall with the win. The Fightin' Engineers return home on Saturday to face Hanover College in HCAC play at 2 pm.
