WALTHAM, Mass. -- The Brandeis University women's basketball team suffered their first defeat of the season today, losing 69-52 to #3 Tufts University in a non-conference contest in Red Auerbach Arena. The Judges fall to 3-1 on the season, while the Jumbos won their season debut to move to 1-0.

It was raining threes early on. Brandeis hit two three-pointers to go up 6-0, but the Jumbos stormed back with five of their own, including three from sophomore guard Lauren Dillon (Wellesley, Mass./Noble & Greenough), leading 21-12 at quarter's end. The Judges narrowed the gap a bit in the second quarter, but still trailed 31-24 at the half.

The third quarter brought more back and forth play, with neither team going on more than a 4-0 run. The Jumbos led by 10, 47-37, heading into the final period.

The Judges cut the deficit to six on a three-pointer by senior guard Heather Cain (Gloucester, Mass./Gloucester) with 7:54 remaining, but that was the closest they would get.

Junior guard Paris Hodges (Southampton, N.Y./Southampton) had a big game for the Judges, scoring a game-high 14 points with three assists and two steals. Cain also added 10 points.

The story for the Jumbos was one of balance, as they had four double-digit scorers: senior guard Emma Roberson (Arlington, Mass./Arlington Catholic), Dillon, junior forward/center Michela North (Duxbury, Mass./Duxbury), and junior forward Katy Hicks (Canton, Mass./Ursuline Academy). In addition, everyone who played contributed at least two points. Tufts shot 54.2% (26-48) for the game, and improved to 1-0.

The Judges play next on Tuesday, November 24 at Emmanuel College at 5 p.m.

-- by Corey Cohen '18