The Hofstra women’s basketball team finished their non-conference schedule with a 77-56 win over the Wilmington University Wildcats on Saturday, Dec. 29. Ana Hernandez Gil and Sica Cuzic led the way for the Pride, each scoring a game-high 14 points.
The win marks Hofstra’s third in a row and brings them back to .500 (6-6) heading into Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play.
They never trailed for the entirety of the game and led by as many as 36 points. Their margin of victory, 21 points, is their second highest of the season – their best being a 25-point win over Iona College in their season opener.
Hofstra recorded a season-high 23 assists in the win. The ball was constantly moving around the court and never stuck in one place, confusing the defense of the Wildcats. The constant ball movement opened up quality shots, leading to one of their best performances from the field – especially from the three-point line. They shot 48.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three, including 46.2 percent from three in the first half alone.
“If I don’t get my shot, I just try to look for everybody else, and if they’re in the right spot they just make [the shots],” Hernandez Gil said.
Hofstra had nine players record a point in the game, including four players who scored double digits.
Additionally, the Hofstra defense was incredibly strong on the day. They were pesky in passing lanes and on the ball handlers, forcing Wilmington to record more turnovers than assists.
The Pride’s defense did not allow Wilmington the chance to get themselves back in the game by shutting down the three-point shot. Wilmington did not hit a three-pointer until the 2:38 mark of the second quarter and only hit one more three in the second half.
The Pride also controlled the game on the boards, outrebounding the Wildcats 46-28, including 12-6 on the offensive glass. Cuzic led the Pride in rebounding with a season-high 16 rebounds, while also recording her fourth double-double of the season.
This was the best scoring performance off the bench for Hofstra freshman Vanerlie Valcourt, who recorded a career-high 10 points in 13 minutes on the court, her first time scoring in double digits.
“It’s good to see her [play well] in consecutive games and practices as well … [I’m] definitely proud of that,” said Hofstra head coach Krista Kilburn-Stevesky.
After starting the season 3-6, the Pride has won their last three games to end 2018 and non-conference play.
“It was nice to get on the court after the holidays. Now it’s time to get down to business,” Kilburn-Stevesky said.
The Pride look to continue their hot streak going into their first game of conference play on Friday, Jan. 4, at home against the College of William & Mary Tribe.
Image Courtesy of Hofstra Athletics
