NEWARK, Del. - - The 19th ranked Jefferson Rams had all five starters reach double figures as they defeated the Wilmington University women's basketball team, 83-58, to open Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference play on Tuesday night at the WU Athletics Complex.
The Wildcats (0-8, 0-1 CACC) had the game to within single digits in the second quarter, but the Rams (8-0, 1-0 CACC) carried an 11-point lead into the halftime break, 45-34.
The Rams scored the first two buckets of the third quarter and eventually took their first lead greater than 20 points, 61-40, with 2:57 left in the quarter. The visitors gained what would be their largest lead of the night, 25 points, at 2:14 left in the frame, 65-40. Jefferson won the third quarter, 24-13, to take a big lead into the fourth quarter, 69-47.
The Wildcats came out and scored the first five points of the fourth quarter, but they were unable to get any closer than 17 points the rest of the way, as the Rams won the CACC opener, 83-58.
Jadyn Whitsitt led the Wildcats with 17 points, shooting 6-of-9 from the floor and a perfect 4-of-4 from the foul line. Nyree Grant flirted with a triple-double, scoring 13 points while grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds, adding seven assists as well. Macy Robinson hit three three-pointers and ended with 11 points.
All five starters ended in double figures for the Rams, led by Caitlyn Cunningham's game high 19 points, adding five rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Erin Maher and Alynna Williams finished with 14 points each while Jessica Kaminski added 13 points. Beverly Kum collected 11 points as well for the Rams.
The Rams hit 11 three-pointers, eight of which came in the first half, and scored 16 second chance points off 16 offensive rebounds.
The Wildcats final home game prior to the holiday break comes in four days, as they host Goldey-Beacom in another CACC doubleheader. The women start things off with a 1:00 p.m. opening tip at the WU Athletics Complex.