Box Score SPRINGFIELD, Mass.--Led by co-captain Emily Savino's 18 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots and three steals, the Western New England women's basketball team notched a big conference win Saturday afternoon at the Alumni Healthful Living Center Field House, beating Nichols 46-42. The Golden Bears, now 7-4 in Commonwealth Coast Conference play (and 10-8 overall), are only a game out of second place, a spot currently occupied by Endicott, Roger Williams, and Western New England's opponent this Tuesday, Salve Regina. The Bison drop to 6-11, and 3-8 in the CCC.

Nichols burst out of the gate with some very hot shooting, making five of its first six field goal attempts, but was unable to match anything close to that mark for the rest of the game. The Bison shot 36% in the first half and an almost identical 36.4% in the second half to go along with 17 turnovers on the afternoon.

The Golden Bears grabbed their first lead of the game on a 3-pointer by Shelby Van Huysen that put WNE up 22-19 with 2 minutes and 20 seconds remaining in the half. Western New England would not relinquish that lead at any point for the remainder of the game. Despite shooting only 35.7% from the floor, the Golden Bears led 26-21 at the break due to 10 points off turnovers and spectacular play by Savino. The senior point guard recorded 11 points, five rebounds and three steals in the opening half alone.

Both teams struggled immensely shooting the ball in the second half. The Golden Bears left the door open for a Nichols comeback with some poor shooting (24.1%), but the Bison were doomed by turnovers and poor shooting of their own.

Hayley Zophin, who came into the contest sixth in the nation in rebounds per game (13.7), managed to score only seven points to go along with seven rebounds. It was just the sixth time this season the forward was unable to record a double-double. The Golden Bears' ability to limit her effectiveness was a key in pulling out today's win.

Natalie Wilson scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Bison, and guard Sarah Whitestone scored a team-high 12 points off the bench.

Western New England got strong play from forward Chelsea Vujs (nine points, eight rebounds) and guard Nicole Daly (seven rebounds, two assists).

The Golden Bears have now won four of their last five games, and they will try to build on their momentum Tuesday when they host Salve Regina in a huge CCC matchup.