NEWARK, Del. - - The University of the Sciences finished the final 13:27 of the first half on a 26-11 run to pull away from the Wilmington University women's basketball team at the WU Athletics Complex, finishing with a 78-52 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference victory on Wednesday night.
The Wildcats (1-4, 1-1 CACC) found themselves down by double digits early in the first half, but clawed its way back to within three points at 17-14, forcing USciences (7-2, 2-0 CACC) into a timeout. Following the mini-break, the Devils separated themselves from the Wildcats, going on the run to close out the half and ease their way to a victory.
Down 10, Taylor Carter started the run with a layup with 16:11 remaining in the first half before a jumper by Tenicia Spence closed the gap to six points with 15:22 to play. Another bucket by Spence closed the deficit to 15-11 before the Devils' Brianne Traub ended the Wilmington run with a layup off an offensive rebound. On the Wildcats' next trip down the floor, Tiaja Harrold nailed a three pointer to bring the first half score to 17-14 and forcing UScience's head coach to use a full timeout.
But after the timeout, it was all Devils from there on out, as they went on a 8-0 run and continued it through an 18-2 run, holding onto a 19-point first half lead. The lead grew to as large at 20 in the first frame before settling on a 43-25 advantage going into the locker room.
The final score ended up being the largest lead of the game for the Devils as the Wildcats could only cut the deficit to as few at 14 throughout the second half.
Coming off a 40 point game, Devils' freshman Camille McPherson scored 18 points in shooting 6-of-9 from the floor, but the Devils were led by junior Brianne Traub's game high 27 points. Isabella Ross grabbed a game high 17 rebounds for the Devils in the win.
The Wildcats were paced by Spence's 14 points while she was matched by freshman Jasmine Lee who recorded the only double-double of the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Cari Callaway also finished in double figures for the Wildcats, as she added a season high 10 points. Callaway and Lee's contributions came off the bench for the Wildcats.
Wilmington removes at home for its next three games, welcoming Post University to the WU Athletics Complex for their next CACC contest on Saturday. The CACC doubleheader will begin with the women's game at 1 p.m.
