William Smith basketball dropped a 68-50 Liberty League decision to RPI Engineers on Saturday afternoon at Bristol Gymnasium, as RPI used an efficient opening half to build separation.
Junior guard Giana Lobozzo led the Herons with 14 points while adding three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Ava Lobozzo contributed eight points and six rebounds, and Dani Krenzer finished with six points and four boards for the Herons. Amelia McCulley and first-year Kira Ostovar chipped in five points apiece as William Smith finished with a 34-37 rebounding deficit.
RPI set the tone early, shooting 69% from the floor in the opening quarter while applying consistent full-court pressure. The Engineers forced turnovers and took a 20-14 lead after one. Momentum carried into the second quarter, where RPI outscored William Smith 15-7 to take a 14-point advantage into halftime.
William Smith showed improved offensive rhythm in the third quarter, scoring a team-high 16 points and forcing four turnovers. However, RPI matched the surge by shooting 62% in the frame and extending its lead to 20 entering the fourth. The Herons continued to defend aggressively in the final quarter, forcing seven more turnovers, but were unable to generate the sustained scoring runs needed to close the gap.
Sophie Costello paced RPI with 17 points and six assists, while Siena Smith and Niamh Gendron added 16 points each. The Engineers finished with a 13-8 edge in assists and forced 19 William Smith turnovers.
William Smith fell to 3-14 overall and 1-9 in Liberty League play, while RPI improved to 12-5 and 7-3 in conference action.
William Smith returns to action Friday, January 30, traveling to Rochester to face RIT Tigers at 5:30 p.m.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.
