TOWSON, Md. ? Nicole Capurso connected on a three-pointer with 1:16 to play to give Hofstra the lead and help the Pride secure a 56-53 victory over the Tigers on Sunday afternoon. The Tigers (13-8, 5-6 CAA) dropped just their second game at home this year despite a combined 27 points from Shanae Baker-Brice and Dovile Miliauskaite.
“It was another tough one possession game that unfortunately didn't go our way,” said Coach Joe Mathews. “We made some mistakes and Hofstra took advantage and you have to give them credit for capitalizing on their advantages.”
Hofstra used an 18-7 run to open the second half and take a 46-35 lead with 9:34 to play in the game. Niki Williams and Natty Fripp each scored four points during the stretch. Towson responded with an 18-6 run of its own to take a 53-51 lead with 1:45 to play. Miliauskaite connected for six during the stretch while Jessica Haywood contributed four. Capurso would then hit the trey and Williams would follow with a jumper at :30 to make it a three-point game. Towson had a chance in the final :30 but was unable to connect.
Hofstra scored the first five points of the game before Baker-Brice connected on a jumper with 17:52 to go in the half for Towson's first bucket of the game. With the score tied at 9-9, the Pride scored eight unanswered points to go ahead 17-9 with 12:11 remaining. The two teams would trade buckets over the next several minutes with Sam Brigham's free throw at 8:40 putting the visitors up 20-13. Towson responded with a 12-2 spurt to take a 25-22 lead with 5:04 to play in the half. Miliauskaite had four of the Tigers' 12 during that run. Baker-Brice hit a jumper at 1:12 to put the home team up 28-24. Capurso would score the final four points of the half to send the two teams into halftime tied at 28-28.
Baker-Brice led the Tigers with 17 points, two assists and two steals. Miliauskaite, who made her first start of the year in place of the injured Katrina Wheeler, finished with a season-high 10 points. Miliauskaite would also add four rebounds, two assists, three steals and a blocked shot. Kandace Davis was the team's leading rebounder finishing with eight and four points. Haywood would also add four points and four rebounds.
Hofstra got 12 points apiece from Williams and Capurso. Fripp would contribute 11 points to the Pride's cause in the game. Williams and Jess Fuller led the Pride on the boards, grabbing six rebounds apiece.
The Tigers return to action on Thursday, February 12 when they host VCU at 7 p.m. That game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet and will be the Tigers' “Pack the House” Night.
