NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – Senior Abby Hurlbert (Thomaston, Conn.) registered 19 points and nine rebounds as the Southern Connecticut State University women's basketball team cruised past Merrimack tonight, 54-41.

RECORDS: So. Connecticut (12-3) | Merrimack (7-6)

1^st Quarter Score: SCSU 18, Merrimack 12
2^nd Quarter Score: SCSU 32, Merrimack 25
3^rd Quarter Score: SCSU 42, Merrimack 29

KEY PERFORMERS
Points: Hurlbert (19), Murphy Murad (16)
Rebounds: Kiana Steinauer (14), Hurlbert (9)
Assists: Murad (4), Paige Decker (4)
Steals: Imani Wheeler (3), Murad (3)



HOW IT HAPPENED
- Merrimack was on top early and took a 6-2 lead. The Owls would then go on a 10-0 run, keeping the Warriors without a basket for four minutes straight to give the Owls a 12-6 lead with 3:59 left in the first quarter. The Owls would end the quarter with an 18-12 lead.

- The Warriors came within one point of the Owls midway through the second quarter after an early run. However, the Owls would respond and open up the lead back up to seven points going into halftime.

- It was a strong defensive effort from the Owls in the third frame, as they held the Warriors to four points and only two field goals in 15 attempts in the quarter. The Owls strong effort would give them a 13-point lead going into the fourth.

- Despite a late Merrimack run where they outscored the Owls 8-2 in the final six minutes of play, the Owls were able to keep a comfortable 13 point lead.

- Senior Murphy Murad (Storrs, Conn.) scored 16 points, with four assists and three steals.

UP NEXT
The Owls face SNHU in New Haven, Conn. on Saturday, with tip off set for 1:30 p.m.