NEWARK, Del. - - An extended run to start the second half propelled Bloomfield to a 72-43 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference women's basketball victory over Wilmington University on Saturday afternoon at the WU Athletics Complex.
Wilmington (5-11, 2-7 CACC) closed to within a five-point deficit, 28-23, to head into the halftime break, but Bloomfield (9-7, 7-2 CACC) came out and went on a 24-4 run over the first 12:12 of the second stanza to take control of the contest.
During the stretch, the Wildcats went 2-of-18 before Tenicia Spence hit a jumper with 7:48 remaining to bring the score to 55-29 in favor of the Deacons. The Wildcats went 6:17 of game time between buckets and another 5:00 before Spence's jumper found the bottom of the net with 7:48 to play.
Defense was the name of the game in the first half, as each team was held below 30 percent from the field. The Wildcats forced the Deacons into nine first half turnovers, creating five steals while the Wildcats turned the ball over 16 times as the Deacons recorded eight steals. Bloomfield shot 8-for-28 from the floor in the first half, compared to the Wildcats 6-for-25. Both teams converted nine free-throws, however.
Trailing by nine points late in the first half, the Wildcats gained some momentum going into the halftime break, scoring six of the next eight points. Tiaja Harrold responded to a Bloomfield three-pointer and a three of her own before Cari Callaway hit another three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining to close the game to 28-23.
The halftime break stopped the Wildcat momentum, however, and Bloomfield was able to regroup and come back in the second half and turn on the jets.
Spence led the Wildcats with 14 points and five steals, while Harrold and Callaway scored nine points each from off the bench. Jenn Carr grabbed a team high six rebounds, five of which were on the offensive glass.
The Deacons were led by a trio of players in double digits, paced by Morgan Taylor's game high 15 points. Tierra Scott added 14 points while Tianna Smith chipped in with 10 points, eight assists, and seven steals.
Wilmington will take to the road for their next two contests, starting with a midweek game on Tuesday at South Division foe Holy Family. The CACC doubleheader will begin with the women's game starting at 6 p.m. in Philadelphia.
