HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - - The Wilmington University women's basketball settled in and won the second half, but NCAA Division I opponent Hofstra was too much in a 77-56 exhibition loss on Saturday at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.
The Pride (6-6) came out and took advantage of the inexperienced Wildcats (1-9) in a big arena, blitzing the Wildcats to lead 27-8 after the first quarter and 51-18 at the half. But out of the break, the Wildcats settled in and tied the third quarter, 13-13, before finishing strong with a 25-13 fourth quarter. But it was too little too late as the Pride held on for the 77-56 victory. The game counted for the Pride, but was an exhibition for the Wildcats and does not go against the Wildcats' overall record.
The Wildcats got off to a slow start on Saturday, shooting just 3-of-15 from the floor, including 0-for-5 from beyond the three-point arc in the opening quarter. On the flip side, the Pride started out with a 10-for-21 first quarter, hitting four three-pointers while assisting on nine of the 10 made buckets.
The second quarter was just as tough on the Wildcats, as they shot 3-of-15 and just 1-of-4 from deep in the quarter for 10 points. The Pride shot 58.8 percent from the floor in the second quarter, building a 33-point halftime lead.
After the Pride took their largest lead of the game, 59-22, in the middle of the third quarter, the Wildcats outscored the Pride, 9-5, to head into the fourth quarter trailing, 64-31.
The Pride scored the first two points of the fourth but then the Wildcats converted seven consecutive free throws to start off their 25-point quarter. Jaelyn Durrett, Emily Ansah, and Durrett again hit three straight shots before two more free throws and a layup from Macy Robinson made it a 10-0 run for the Wildcats. Nyree Grant hit a three-pointer and Jadyn Whitsitt laid one home to get the game to within less than 20 points for the first time since the first half, 75-56.
Grant finished with a double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds while Robinson led the Wildcats with 14 points. Jadyn Whitsitt was the final Wildcat in double figures with 12 points.
The Wildcats return to regular season action on Monday, as they welcome Lincoln (Pa.) to the WU Athletics Complex for their final nonconference action of the season. Tip-off against the Lions is set for 1:00 p.m. in Newark, Delaware.