NEWARK, Del. - - The Philadelphia University women's basketball team led wire-to-wire to take a 94-63 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference matchup over Wilmington University on Wednesday night at the WU Athletics Complex.
With the win, the Rams' (8-3, 6-0 CACC) head coach Tom Shirley earned his 500th coaching victory at Philadelphia University. He is now in his 25th season at the helm of the Rams, his 33rd overall. He has a career total of 649 victories.
Wednesday night saw the Rams take a double digit lead in the first four minutes and continue to cruise for the rest of the contest. A majority of the game was played at the foul line, and the Rams took advantage. Overall, the Rams made 29 free throws while the Wildcats (4-9, 1-5 CACC) only went to the line 21 times.
The Wildcats were led by sophomore Tenicia Spence as she again poured in 20 points in a game. It is the ninth time this season the guard has scored at least 20 points, twice scoring more than 30. Spence shot 7-of-17 from the floor and hit 6-of-7 from the foul line for Wilmington. Tiaja Harrold was the only other Wildcat to score in double digits, finishing with 13 points on 6-of-17 from the floor and hitting the only three-pointer of the game for the Wildcats. Both double-digit performances came off the bench for Wilmington.
The Rams had six players in double figures, led by Mary Newell's 19 points on 9-of-11 shooting. Najah Jacobs added 14, Monica Shacker 13, Bria Young 11, and Megan Finn and Tori Arnao each added 10 points for the Rams. Arnao added a double-double with a game high 13 rebounds.
The Rams jumped out to a 13-2 lead with 16:05 to play in the first half and continued to extend the lead for the rest of the stanza. The visitors held as large as a 26 point advantage before going into the halftime break leading 52-30.
The Wildcats were able to force 19 Philadelphia turnovers in the contest, turning them into 25 points on the other end. They led 25-18 in points off turnovers, 12-7 on second chance points while grabbing 17 offensive rebounds as a team, and 44-33 in points off the bench.
The Wildcats remain in CACC action for the rest of the 2013-14 season and travel the short distance to their in-state rival, Goldey-Beacom, for their next matchup. The crosstown rivalry game is set for Saturday with the opening tip slated for 1 p.m.
Game Notes:
The Wildcats were joined by their pen pals from Pleasantville Elementary at the game on Wednesday. After watching the game form the stands, the students from Ms. Mims class joined the Wildcats in the locker room for a postgame meet and greet with dinner and a picture.
