Press Release Written by Sports Information Graduate Inter Mary Kate Rumbaugh
CALDWELL, N.J., - A hot start for Caldwell University would lead to an 80-65 win over the Wilmington University women's basketball team Saturday afternoon on Corino Court in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference cross division matchup.
Caldwell (6-17, 6-8 CACC) came out strong in the first quarter against the Wildcats (4-18, 4-10 CACC) getting out to a 10-point lead with just 2:23 to play in the first, as Wilmington could not come back from the early deficit.
The Cougars would go on a 10-0 run to start the game, but the Wildcats found some momentum to go on a 7-0 run to come within two to make it 12-10 with 4:09 to play thanks to an Emily Ansah layup. The Cougars would have the hot hand and continue on a 15-2 run to extend their lead out to 27-12 with 1:32 to play in the first.
Kasha Andrews would start the Wildcats off in the second quarter with two back-to-back baskets, including a three-pointer, before LaShyra Williams put the Wildcats within 11 with 8:33 to play. Caldwell would then end the quarter on a 10-0 run to take a 53-31 lead into halftime.
The Cougars would get out to their largest lead of the game on the first shot of the second half, going up 24 on the Wildcats, but WilmU would hold Caldwell to just 13 points in the third, outscoring them in the quarter, 15-13.
The Wildcats would cut the 20-point deficit to 13 in the final quarter with 1:18 to play, but the Cougars would get two back ending the contest, 80-65. Caldwell would shoot 50.7 percent from the floor in the contest to the Wildcats' 35.8 percent.
Emily Ansah had a team-high 15 points, going 7-12 from the floor with nine rebounds. LaShyra Williams would finish with 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, as Jadyn Whitsitt notched the double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Kasha Andrews also finished with 13 points, and six rebounds, while Kiara Eubanks added 10 points.
Wilmington will be back home this Wednesday against Jefferson for a South Division matchup. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m.