The Hofstra University women’s basketball team continues their string of home games with their second game against the Iona University Gaels on Thursday, Dec. 7.

Iona currently sits at .500 with a 3-3 record after wins over the Wagner College Seahawks and the Providence College Friars.

In their last game, the Gaels beat Providence 61-49. Natalia Otkhmezuri thrived with 21 points and five rebounds and Noa Givon aided with 20 of her own with two steals and three rebounds. The Gaels shot 42.9% from the field but failed to be a threat with 3-pointers with 37.5%.

The Gaels’ top two players are graduate students Otkhmezuri and Sierra DeAngelo, leading the squad with 12.8 & 12.7 points per game, respectively. Sophomore Givon stands with 10.5 points per game herself. DeAngelo also leads the team in rebounds with 5.8 per game.

The Pride’s last appearance on the court was a 68-56 loss at the hands of the Lehigh University Hawks on Sunday. Emma Von Essen lead the team with 18 points. Brooke Anya crashed the boards with a team-leading eight rebounds.

Hofstra’s turnovers continue to be an issue as their offense is a rollercoaster in and out of every game.

“We’ve got to adjust,” said Hofstra head coach Danielle Santos Atkinson. “We’ve gotta be able to defend the 3-point line and be in transition defense and also make sure we’re there ready to contain. Offensively we’ve got to pick up our execution; we have to be able to finish in the paint, come up with more free throws and more points when we have the opportunity at the rim.”

The in-state battle between the Gaels and the Pride will be at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex in Hempstead, New York. Tip-off is set off for 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Evan Bernstein