PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - - The nationally number sixth ranked Bentley was too much for the Wilmington University women's basketball team, 83-40, in the final game of the NE10/CACC Conference Challenge on Saturday hosted by Holy Family at the Campus Center Gym.
The Falcons (2-0) are ranked No. 6 in the WBCA Coaches Preseason National Poll while also being ranked No. 7 in the D2SIDA Women's Basketball Preseason National Poll. The Wildcats (1-1) fell behind 15-0 in the opening quarter and could never catch up.
The Wildcats did not get on the board until an Emma Matthew jumper was true with 3:26 left in the first quarter. Nyree Grant contributed the only other bucket in the first quarter for the Wildcats, tipping in a rebound with 14 seconds left, as the Wildcats went into the quarter break trailing 21-8.
The Falcons hit back-to-back three-pointers to open a 30-11 lead midway through the second quarter. Grant and Dixon put in back-to-back layups to cut the deficit to 34-17, but the Falcons extended the lead back out to 45-20 at the halftime break.
The third quarter was more of the same for the Falcons, as they outscored the Wildcats, 23-15. Matthews and LaShyra Williams each hit a three-pointer in the quarter, but the Falcons held a 33-point lead after three quarters of play.
The Falcons largest lead of the game came with 23 seconds left in regulation with the final point of the contest, settling on the 83-40 victory.
Matthews led the Wildcats with 11 points, shooting 5-for-9 from the floor and adding three rebounds and two steals. Grant came off the bench to score nine points and added nine rebounds. Williams chipped in with seven points while adding nine rebounds as well. Precious Palmer finished with a team high five steals on the night.
The Wildcats make their 2017-18 home debut with their next contest, as they host Clarion on Wednesday night. The nonconference contest is set to begin at 5:00 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex.