Jan. 4, 2010

Box Score

Philadelphia, Pa. - Despite strong shooting in the first half, the Adelphi University women's basketball team struggled down the stretch, falling to Philadelphia University, 69-64, in non-conference action. The Rams improve to 5-6 overall, while the Panthers drop to 2-9.

Sophomore Erika Cottle led Adelphi with 15 points and four rebounds. Freshman Samantha Briendbach posted 12 points off the bench, while junior Ashley Caiafa had 11 points and five rebounds.

The game opened with three lead changes and five ties, before Adelphi pulled ahead on a jumper by Cottle, 12-10, at 15:52. The Rams kept it close and even led briefly, 18-16, on a Christine Wooding layup. The Panthers, who shot 54.8 percent from the field, quickly rallied back and opened a seven-point lead, 32-25, on a Briendbach jumper at 5:25. Philadelphia, which connected on 13-of-27, tried to close the gap, but Adelphi stayed in front, holding a 43-34 lead at intermission.

Although the Panthers shooting percentage plummented to 24.3% (9-for-37), strong defense kept them on top for most of the second half. However, sith less than four minutes to go, and up 61-58, the Rams went on a 9-0 run which ended with a 67-61 lead with 39 second remaining as the held on for the win.

The Rams were led by Jessica Romano with 19 points and nine rebounds. Kate Brennan with 18 points followed by Wooding with 17 points.

Adelphi returns to conference action on Wednesday, January 6, as they Southern New Hampshire at 5:30 p.m.