MIDDLETOWN, Conn. –  Russell Sage College erased a double-digit deficit to defeat Albertus Magnus 81-72 tonight at the Wesleyan Tournament. The Gators (3-2), which outscored the Falcons 49-27 after the intermission, had a pair of players record "double-doubles" in the victory.

Freshman guard Syrita Faraj (Troy, NY/Tamarac), the reigning Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Week, tallied 30 points and 16 rebounds, while sophomore forward Savannah Sommer (Mohawk, NY/Central Valley Academy) (above) registered 25 points, on 7-of-14 shooting, and 20 rebounds. The 20 boards by Sommer was tied for fifth-most in a game by an RSC player. Megan Flynn '20 also grabbed 20 rebounds vs. Elmira on Jan. 28, 2020. The duo of Faraj and Sommer established career-highs in both categories tonight.

Senior guard Sammy Pasinella (Mechanicville, NY/Mechanicville) added 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.

For the game, RSC outrebounded the Falcons by a 60-38 margin, including 28-13 on the offensive glass.

Sophomore guard Caitlyn Scott topped Albertus Magnus (0-2) with 21 points.  She was one of three Falcons to score in twin figures.

Buoyed by an 18-5 run, Albertus Magnus went into the locker room ahead 43-34.

Following the break, RSC capitalized upon its advantage inside to take the lead . A 26-6 Gator run across a 11:54 span put the Gators up 11, 68-57, with less than six minutes remaining. Albertus Magnus battled back, trimming its deficit to three on two occasions in the final 1:54. However, a pair of baskets by Sommer and some made free throws allowed the Gators to seal the non-conference triumph.

Looking ahead, RSC faces the host Cardinals tomorrow at 2:30 pm.

Notes: Flynn grabbed a program-record 25 rebounds vs. Westfield State on Dec. 7, 2019...Faraj was named the E8 Rookie of the Week on Monday...She averaged 15.7 points, on 51.6 percent shooting, and 6.7 rebounds last week...Nine returnees plus six newcomers comprise this year's roster...Pasinella was named first-team All-E8 last season...Head Coach Allison Coleman, now in her eighth season, began the campaign with a 106-60 (.639) overall record.

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