The Hofstra University women’s basketball team bounced back with their fifth win of the season over the Delaware State University Hornets 59-52 on Sunday, Dec. 18. The Pride is now at an even 5-5 on the year due in major part to Brandy Thomas’ 17 points and 11 rebounds.

As the first quarter got underway, both teams started off slow on the offensive end as the score accumulated to 6-6 with just over 5 minutes to go in the first quarter. A short while later, a 3-pointer by Thomas gave Hofstra a 12-8 lead which soon was cut down to 14-12 at the end of the first quarter. Thomas started the second quarter with a quick five-point spurt as she widened Hofstra’s lead to seven.

With just over five minutes to go in the half, a Joy Watkins 3-pointer cut the lead to 21-17. From this point on, Hofstra continued to widen and maintain a lead, as a 3-pointer from Rosi Nicholson pushed the lead back up to seven. The Hornets did not let up, as they finished the half only down four with the score at 34-30. The Pride dominated possession of the ball and controlled the lead for the majority of the first half.

The start of the third quarter was all Hofstra. The Pride went on a 14-1 run making the score 48-31 with just under six minutes left to go in the third. The run, highlighted by Sorelle Ineza, did a little bit of everything, as Ineza was impactful on both ends of the ball, whether it was forcing turnovers or scoring. The Hornets tied things up defensively following the run as they only surrendered three more points before the end of the quarter, although the Hornet’s offense entered the fourth quarter still down by 10 with the score at 51-41.

The fourth quarter started off with both teams trading baskets back and forth as the Pride successfully defended their lead throughout the majority of the quarter. There was solid defense throughout the quarter. The Hornets were able to put together a few solid possessions down the stretch, but there was not enough time to catch up as the game ended with a 59-52 victory for Hofstra.

After starting the season 2-4, the Pride have since won three of their last four games. They will look to get their second straight victory and get over .500 with their next matchup coming against the University of New Orleans on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m. at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex.

Photo Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics