BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - - A steal and a fastbreak layup by Jade Roberts cut the Wilmington University women's basketball deficit to seven points with 4:20 left in the fourth quarter, but Bridgeport hung on down the stretch in a 52-43 Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference loss on New Years' Eve inside Hubbell Gym.
The Purple Knights (7-6, 3-2 CACC), in their first season in the CACC, took their largest lead of the game, 44-30, with 7:47 to play in the fourth quarter. But the Wildcats (1-11, 0-2 CACC) went on a 7-0 run to cut the deficit in half with 4:20 showing on the clock. The Wildcats were not able to cut into the lead any further, however, getting back to a seven-point deficit with 1:11 to play, but the Purple Knights held on.
Daja Claiborne hit a baseline jumper to tie the game, 8-8, midway through the first quarter, but then the Purple Knights took the lead with a 9-0 run and took a 17-10 lead into the second quarter.
Amber Washington scored the opening bucket of the second quarter to make it a 17-12 game but again the Purple Knights rallied with a 6-0 run to take a 23-12 lead with 5:27 to play before the half. Daja Claiborne and Tye Queen put in back-to-back buckets for the Wildcats, but Bridgeport hit a three-pointer in the final seconds, taking a 28-18 lead into the halftime break.
Fatou Ndao and Claiborne put in layups to bring the Wildcats to within 30-22 halfway through the third quarter and then Amaja Mack hit a three-pointer off a steal by Jade Roberts to cut the deficit to 35-28. But again Bridgeport had the final say in the quarter, hitting two free throws and then a final jumper before the buzzer sounded to take a 39-28 lead into the fourth quarter.
Bridgeport hit a three-pointer with 7:47 to play in the fourth quarter, taking their largest lead of the game, 44-30, before the Wildcats made went on their run and made it a game down the stretch.
Fatou Ndao finished with her second consecutive double-double, scoring 14 points while adding 10 rebounds. Daja Claiborne scored six points but led the team with 13 rebounds. Jade Roberts scored six points as well, adding four assists and three steals. Amaja Mack and Amber Washington chipped in with five points each.
The Wildcats dominated in the paint, scoring 34 points in the lane compared to the Purple Knights' 24. But Bridgeport scored 16 points off of 17 Wilmington turnovers, compared to the Wildcats just scoring nine points off 15 Bridgeport turnovers.
The Wildcats open 2023 play at home next week when they welcome Holy Family on Wednesday, January 4. The women start the CACC doubleheader at 6:00 p.m. at the WU Athletics Complex.