Jan. 5, 2005

Box Score

Sparkill, N.Y. - The Adelphi University suffered a 94-77 loss at the hands of host St. Thomas Aquinas on Wednesday night at Aquinas Hall. The Lady Spartans (7-5) remain undefeated in league play with a 7-0 record while the Panthers (7-3) suffer their third straight loss to fall to 6-1 in the NYCAC.

The Lady Spartans led from start to finish jumping out to an early 17-4 lead. The Panthers were able to cut the deficit to six points, 35-29, with 5:05 remaining in the half. Sophomore Betty Mendieta (North Bergen, N.J.) led the charge, recording all of her 14 points in the first half. Senior Melanie Mangone (Middle Village, N.Y.) added 10 of her game high 22 points during the run to help the Panthers to 83.8 percent shooting from three-point range. STAC responded, closing the half on a 14-6 run to head to the locker room with a 49-36 lead.

The second half belonged to the Lady Spartans as they led by as much as 34 points with 7:46 remaining. STAC had four players in double figures led by Senior Brittany Thomas (Ossining, N.Y.) who scored 19 points off the bench including 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Senior Caitlin Hayes (Blooming Grove, N.Y.) chipped in 18 points along with seven rebounds. Adelphi began to perk up late in the second half, closing the gap to 15 points. Senior Meranne Whitney (Nashua, N.H.) contributed 13 of her 19 points in the second half while junior Carlyshia Hurdle (Brentwood, N.Y.) managed 10 points and seven rebounds.

On the game, the Lady Spartans held a 39-29 rebound advantage and shot 55.6 percent from the field compared with 40.6 for the Panthers.

Adelphi is back in action this Saturday, January 8, hosting Southampton at 5:30 p.m.