By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

NEW ORLEANS — Riverside couldn’t overcome a fast start by Cabrini on Wednesday as the Rebels fell, 31-24, on the road to the Crescents.

“We couldn’t buy a shot,” said Riverside coach Chuck Dorvin.

As usual, a strong defensive effort by the Rebels (11-6) allowed a chance to win – Riverside allowed only 12 points over the final three quarters.

But that was seven less than Cabrini’s first quarter output of 19.

Riverside’s own offensive woes never allowed the Rebels to come back from the 14-point first quarter deficit. Riverside scored seven points in each of the first two quarters, and saw its production dip to four in the third.

“It comes back to our inability to make layups and shoot free throws. It caught up to us,” said Dorvin. “When you do those things, you won’t always dodge bullets. And we didn’t dodge a thing today.

“When you miss 12 layups … if you make four, ifs a different game.”

Riverside shot 7-of-14 at the foul line.

Kristy Milioto led RA with six points. Daysha Blount and Lauren Doyle each scored five.

After Cabrini’s initial surge, the Rebels were able to stem the tide by limiting the Crescents fast break chances.

“But,” Dorvin noted, “you still need to score points.”

Riverside returns to action Sunday, where it will compete at the Rumble on the River tournament at the Alario Center. Its first game will be at 3:45 against Ellender.