BOSTON, Mass. (2/3/2026) - The Nichols College women's basketball team traveled to Wentworth Institute of Technology (WIT) on Tuesday night for their second conference matchup at the hosting Leopards' Tansey Gymnasium. Propelled by a dominant performance on both ends of the court, the Bison walked away with a key conference win against the Leopards, effectively snapping their six-game losing streak, 79-37.
Following their strong efforts, Nichols improves to a 10-11 record for the season, with a Conference of New England (CNE) record of 3-9. The Leopards drop to 1-19, with a 0-12 record in the CNE.
The Bison were confidently led by Alyvia Smith's historic 35-point performance on the night. Smith efficiently produced the points on 13-21 (61.9%) from the field. Smith excelled from outside the arc, sinking 9-16 (56.3%) from three and marking a new single-game record for three-point makes, previously held by Keira Fernandes' (2022-2024) eight threes against Western New England (1/28/2023). Smith's performance also ties for seventh in all-time highest single-game scoring performances with Natalie Lavin's 35 against Curry (2/3/2001).
Leading the game on the glass was also Smith with eight boards, backed by six by Kya Burdier. Adriana Romano dominated the assist column with seven on the night, seeing a three steal night from Angie Coletti.
The Bison came into the game convincingly strong against WIT, jumping out to an early lead highlighted by a pair of timely three-pointers from Smith and Rylee Barrieault, while Tianna Fernandez and Romano contributed with strong interior play that helped the Bison extend the margin. The home team's offense clicked, shooting 56.3% from the field in the opening frame and building a 21–11 advantage by the quarter's end.
Nichols seemingly matches their offensive efforts in the second quarter with a 22-13 scoring performance by the horn. The team was credited with continuous defensive wins as well as 11 points in production from the bench, the highest in a quarter for the game. Most points in the quarter were jumpers, only seeing four points in the paint, highlighting the Bison's scoring from distance.
In the third quarter, Nichols picked up right where it left off, delivering another composed and controlled stretch of basketball to further separate from Wentworth. The Bison outscored the Leopards in a game-high 27-4 margin, seeing a 24 unanswered run highlighted by four three-pointers by Smith, knocking ever so close to the record. Nichols prepared for another quarter up big, 70-28.
In the fourth, Smith was able to knock down her ninth three on the night just 30 seconds in, sealing her record for the single most three-pointers made in a game. With a win ultimately in reach, the Bison kept the pressure through every minute of the game, solidifying their dominant 79-37win in their highest margin of the season.
The Bison will return to home territory on Saturday, February 7th, against the Suffolk University Rams at Nichols Athletic Center. Tip-off time is set for 1:00 PM.
