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Widener, champions of the Commonwealth Conference, saw its amazing run come to a conclusion with a 67-56 loss at No. 6 Rochester in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Rochester, NY.
Alex Porter and Julie Marriott combined for 45 points and 24 rebounds to lead Rochester (23-3). Porter matched her career high with 25 points and grabbed a dozen rebounds. Marriott scored 20 points and added 12 rebounds and four assists.
Widener opened an 11-5 lead nine minutes into the game as Rochester hit just two of its first 16 shots. Porter scored 12 points in a four-minute run as Rochester edged ahead, 22-18, with 5:17 to go. Rochester led, 27-22, at the half.
The Yellowjackets stretched their lead to 34-22, with a 7-0 run to open the second half. Marriott scored six of the seven points. Widener gnawed at the lead. The Pride got within four five different times, only to see Rochester answer. With the Yellowjackets ahead, 53-47, freshman Lindsay Pepino (Oceanside, NY) hit a jumper and Dessart Mager sank a 3-pointer to pull the Pride within 53-52 at the 4:10 mark.
Porter made one free throw, then assisted on a jumper by Jessica Mastronardi to restore a four-point margin. The Yellowjackets hit nine free throws in the final 3:20 to secure the win.
Widener was making its third NCAA Tournament appearance in school history and second in six years.
