#7 ranked Tufts University held off a gritty comeback effort by the University of Rochester women's basketball team, en route to a 61-57 victory in the championship of the UR Chuck Resler Invitational on Saturday evening.
 
The Yellowjackets (1-1) battled back from as many as 19 points down to cut the lead to as little as four late in the second half, but Tufts (2-0) were able to hang on for the team title in their first ever appearance in the 33 year history of the event.
 
Rochester was paced by double-doubles from two seniors, Loren Wagner and Danielle McNabb.  Wagner had 21 (10-14 FG) points and 10 rebounds while McNabb added 16 points and tied a career high with 11 boards.  Both were named to the All-Tournament Team.  Sophomore Kelsey Hurley was the only other UR player in double figure scoring, chipping in 10 points.
 
The Jumbos were led by point guard Kelsey Morehead who had 16 points and Hayley Kanner who had 14 points and five rebounds.  Morehead was named tournament MVP.
 
Tufts used a 22-4 run over 11 minutes in the first half where they shot 9-21 including four 3-pointers, but UR answered late with an 8-2 and 14-4 burst to pull within single digits, making a game of it.
 
Hurley made a fantastic play in the midst of the second run, blocking a trey from Hannah Foley, grabbing the rebound and sprinting down court for a fast break layup.  McNabb finished off the run with a great step-back three with a defender in her face, cutting the Jumbos lead to just six with 6:18 remaining in the game.
 
Tufts would settle down though, late in the game, executing on offense and sinking just enough free throws for the slim four point victory.
 
Rochester next travel to Ithaca on Wednesday for another showdown with a top 10 opponent, facing off with the #10 ranked Bombers.