Feb. 25, 2004

Box Score

Garden City, N.Y. - All five of Adelphi's starters scored in double figures as the women's basketball team defeated the University of Bridgeport, 64-43, in their home regular season finale this Wednesday night at Woodruff Hall. The Panthers improve to 17-9 overall and 16-7 in the conference, clinching a spot in the NYCAC Tournament. The Purple Knights fall to 3-23 on the season and 2-21 in the NYCAC.

Sophomore Carlyshia Hurdle (Brentwood, N.Y.) led a balanced Panther attack with 12 points and five rebounds. Seniors Kerri Kirschbaum (Leonardo, N.J.) and Jamie Douglas (Hopatcong, N.J.) celebrated "Senior Night" with 11 and 10 points, respectively. Douglas also hauled down a game-high 10 boards. Juniors Meranne Whitney (Nashua, N.H.) and Melanie Mangone (Middle Village, N.Y.) contributed 11 points apiece.

The Panthers shot just 27 percent (8-of-29) from the field in the first half, allowing the Purple Knights to remain close throughout. In fact, there were 13 lead changes and four ties as UB shot a slightly better 30.8 percent (8-of-26). Adelphi stalled at 22 points with 4:04 remaining, allowing Bridgeport to close the half on a 3-0 run to tie the game, 22-22.

A much improved Adelphi team stormed out of the locker room, opening the second half on a 22-6 run, capped by a three-pointer from Mangone at 11:17. The Panthers realized its largest lead of the night, 53-30, on a jumper from Whitney with 6:17 remaining. Adelphi hit 16-of-33 (48.5 percent) while the defense held the Purple Knights to just eight field goals in the half.

Bridgeport dominated on boards, outrebounding Adelphi 48-35. However, the Panthers forced 35 turnovers which converted to 39 points on the night.

The Purple Knights only player in double figures was freshman Cherhara Shields (Woodland, CA) with a game-high 18 points and seven rebounds.

Prior to the start of tonight's game, Adelphi honored its seniors, Douglas and Kirschbaum. Over their four years at Adelphi, they have compiled a 91-24 record, including a NYCAC Championship and a NCAA appearance, both in 2001.

Adelphi returns to action this Saturday, traveling to Dowling for its final game of the regular season. Tip-off is 1:00 p.m.