Feb. 27, 2012
Final Stats
Reach WBB Contact Michael stambaugh for more details by E-Mail
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Hampton Lady Pirates snapped Bethune-Cookman's three-game win streak, Monday night at Moore Gymnasium, with an overwhelming defensive effort, en route to a 24-point victory for the MEAC's top team. An 11-minute scoring drought in the first half ultimately dug a hole that the Lady Wildcats could not come back from.
In the early going, the game remained tight, but Bethune-Cookman's scoring shut down at the 16:06 mark and did not get jump-started again until 4:45 remained in the half. Meanwhile, the MEAC-leading Lady Pirates went on a 17-0 run to take command of the game.
HU held B-CU to just 12 points in the first half, and 18 in the second, delivering the lowest scoring effort for the Lady Wildcats on the season, and fewest points since game two.
Bethune-Cookman (10-17, 7-8 MEAC) held the Hampton (22-4, 14-1 MEAC) below their typical scoring with aggressive defense, with eight steals on 13 HU turnovers, limiting the Lady Pirates to just 29.7 percent shooting. In clinching the number one overall MEAC seed, what Hampton lacked in quality shots, they made up for in quantity, taking 16 more field goals than B-CU with multiple weapons on the floor.
"We knew this was going to be a tough game playing the number one team, and they played like the number one team," said Head Coach Vanessa Blair. "Definitely in the first half, we didn't meet the challenge. I thought we let them play aggressive with us, and weren't as aggressive back."
However, Hampton's defense was smothering, and the heavy traps led B-CU to one of its highest turnover counts of the year, which HU capitalized upon with 22 points scored off turnovers.
HU's Jericka Jenkins led all scorers with 17 points, while Keiara Avant scored 12, but played her biggest role in earning HU second chances with 16 boards.
Demetria Frank led all B-CU scorers and rebounders, collecting a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds; B-CU's fourth and her second on the season. She also picked up a pair of steals and a pair of blocks.
"We turn the page," Coach Blair said of finishing out the season following the loss. "We've got to get ready for Coppin State. They'll be another physical team. They ARE the only team that beat Hampton this year, so we've got to be prepared."
The Lady Wildcats wrap up the regular season on Thursday with a visit from Coppin State (17-11, 12-3 MEAC) on Thursday. CSU defeated Maryland Eastern Shore 48-47 in Princess Anne tonight. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. at Moore Gymnasium for the 2011-12 season finale.
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