Brown Upsets Florida in Women’s Hoop

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Sunday, December 05, 2010

GoLocalProv Sports Team

In a win on the century, Brown Women's Basketball beat the University of Florida. This is no typo. While upsets in Men's college hoops are weekly, the upset by a no scholarship Ivy League team in Women's basketball over a top SEC power is far more rare. Florida was ranked #13 in the most recent RPI rating coming into the game against the Bears.

The 56-50 win came in the final day of the Brown BEAR Basketball Classic. Brown's Sophomore Sheila Dixon had a big game for Bruno, scoring 15 points and grabbing seven rebounds to lead the squad to victory. Dixon, sophomore Lindsay Nickel and junior Hannah Passafuime were all awarded a spot on the All-Tournament Team after going 1-1 this weekend.

The Bears showed their resilience today after coming off a loss to Providence College in the opening round of the Brown BEAR Basketball Classic. Despite Florida jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the first two minutes of play, the Bears fought back and brought themselves within one, 10-9, seven minutes into the game. Bruno went on a 13-7 run late in the first -half to gain a 22-21 lead heading into the half.

Second Half Toughness

Brown's Lauren Clarke sank two free throws to give Brown’s biggest lead of the night, 47-39, with just under six minutes remaining in the game, butFlorida’s Madu put in a layup to bring the team’s deficit to six.

A Florida shot clock violation gave the Bears the ball back with 1:39 left in the game with a six-point lead. Passafuime hit a lay-up.

Florida pushed the ball up court for a quick 2, but the Gators were forced to start fouling to stop the clock. Brown women hit three out of four free throw. Florida’s Lily Svete knocked down a three pointer in the final second of play to close the gap, but it was not enough to deny Brown women one of their biggest wins 56-50.

Next Up - RI Rivalry

The Bears are back in action this Wednesday at the Pizzitola Sports Center when they take on the Rhode Island Rams at 7:00 p.m.