NEW HAVEN, Conn. – The No. 11 Bentley women's basketball team began its bid for a second consecutive regional title by dominating Mercy, 74-47, in the first round of the NCAA DII East Regional hosted by Southern Connecticut Friday afternoon.

The #2 Falcons (23-4) wasted no time in making a statement as they flew out to a 21-2 lead seven minutes into the game. Niya Morgen accounted for 10 points during that opening run, including a couple 3-pointers and a tough finish in transition for two points.

Bentley's halftime lead over #7 Mercy (22-8) was 49-16.

The Mavericks showed more life in the third quarter when they opened the second half with a 13-2 run. However, as has been the case for most of the season, Bentley relied on its defense to shift momentum back in its favor. Cherish Bryant blocked a Mercy layup attempt, and the ball immediately went into Cassidy Yeoman's hands. The Falcons were off and running, and Yeomans found Morgen open in front of the Bentley bench to a hit a transition 3-pointer. That sequence pushed Bentley's lead to 60-49.

Morgen led all players in scoring with 21 points, while Julia Elie finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. Yeomans filled the stat sheet by scoring eight points to go with seven boards and seven assists.   

The Falcons got big contributions off the bench from Bryant and Mikela Cooper. Bryant scored 14 points, and Cooper notched a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

Bentley will take on #3 Daemen Saturday, March 14, in an NCAA East Regional Semifinal matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 p.m.