Harden's double-double comes in loss to Baruch

BOSTON, Mass. – Veronica Ganzi and Jacqueline Kennedy combined for 47 points to lead Baruch (1-1) to a 66-61 win over Salve Regina (0-2) in the consolation game of the 32nd Annual EC Invitational on Sunday afternoon.

After trailing by as many as 11 points at the 6:37 mark of the third quarter, the Bearcats outscored the Seahawks, 35-19 and closed out the game at the free throw line to earn their first win of the young season.

Ganzi tallied 27 points and was 10-10 from the free throw line, including scoring each of Baruch's final six points from the stripe.

Kennedy picked up 13 rebounds, four steals, three blocks, and an assist to go along with 20 points in 36 minutes. Symone Green also had a double-double for the reigning CUNYAC champions, tallying 12 points and 10 rebounds in addition to three steals and three assists.

Baruch head coach KellyAnn Barrett called a timeout after Salve's Meaghan Harden put the Seahawks ahead 44-34 with 4:42 remaining in the third quarter. The Bearcats responded with a 9-0 over the next three minutes of play to cut the deficit to 44-43.

Harden was stellar for Salve, scoring 25 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. However, she was 3-10 from beyond the arc and 11-28 from the floor in 34 minutes of play.

Freshman Tara Burke scored in double figures for the second straight game for the Seahawks, chipping in with 10 points and eight rebounds in just 19 minutes.

Baruch's Kristen Podlovits tied the game with a layup with 8:27 remaining in the game and neither team led by more than three until Ganzi's free throws with 10 seconds remaining.

With 51 seconds left and Baruch leading by two, Salve's Allyson Esielionis drew a foul and tied the game with two free throws.

On the following possession, Barrett utilized a timeout and drew up a play that led to a close jumper by Kennedy. Her ninth field goal of the game gave the Bearcats a 60-58 lead that they would not relinquish.

Salve Regina hosts fellow Rhode Island squad Johnson & Wales on Thursday, November 19 at 7 p.m. The Bearcats have ten days off before they host New York University on November 25 at 7 p.m.