New York, NY--- The Brooklyn College women's basketball team opened up CUNYAC play on the right foot, defeating CCNY (2-1) 56-45 this evening.  BC improves to 3-2 overall on the season with the victory.  The Bulldogs will have a little rest during the Thanksgiving break before returning to non-conference action at home against William Paterson University on Monday, November 30th.  Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM at the West Quad Center.
 
In their second defensive battle in three games, the Bulldogs were able to outscore the Beavers in the second, third, and fourth periods to secure the double-digit victory.  CCNY would win the first period, 8-7. 
 
Trailing by one after the first quarter, the Bulldogs used a 5-0 spurt started by a Justine Vento three-pointer a little over a minute into the second quarter.  The home team stayed within striking reach before retaking an 18-16 lead with 5:15 left in the first half.  CCNY's lead wouldn't last long as Karen Mak made a lay-up at the 4:39 mark.  
 
BC would then go on another 5-0 run that helped them keep a one to two possession lead the remainder of the first half and a 26-21 advantage at intermission. 
 
The Bulldogs showed signs of pulling away in the third quarter.  The highlight of the push was back-to-back makes from beyond the arc for guard Taylor Gallagher, which would extend the Bulldogs' lead to 13 with 4:11 left in the third period.  BC held on to an eight-point lead heading into the final period. 
 
CCNY battled back in the first half of the fourth period, tying the game, 42-42, with 4:24 left in the game.  The Bulldogs replied with a 10-0 run that started at 3:56 and wouldn't be answered by the Beavers until just under a minute left in the game. 
 
Junior forward Olivia Colbert led the Bulldogs with another double-double performance, finishing with ten points and 14 rebounds on the evening.  Sophomore guard Karen Mak contributed nine points and four assists off of the bench.
 
BC shot 20-26 from the free throw line including 10-12 in the second half.