(Dover, Del.) – A forgettable first half for the Delaware State women's basketball team (3-9), headlined by being held to 17 points on a dismal 15 percent (6-of-39) shooting, turned out to be the difference Wednesday afternoon at Memorial Hall, as the visiting Hofstra Pride (9-2) cruised to a 66-49 victory.

With this loss, DSU failed to register back-to-back wins for the first time this season, in addition to seeing its two-game home winning streak snapped.  Hofstra, meanwhile, has now won five out of its last six heading into conference play, which begins this Sunday afternoon (2 p.m.) at home against Delaware.   

Taking advantage of DSU's slow start, the Pride outscored the Lady Hornets in the opening 10 minutes (24-6), thanks in large to a staggering 62 percent (8-of-13) output from the floor.  Leading the way was HU's top-scorer Kelly Loftus (13.3 ppg), pouring in eight of her game-high 21 points (8-of-18), while Delaware State went 2-for-18 (.111).

The next 20 minutes was much of the same for Hofstra, leading by as many as 30.  More importantly, the Hornets continued to struggle from the field by going 8-for-36 (.222), which included a 0-for-9 (.000) effort from long distance. 

The fourth quarter, on the other hand, Delaware State showed signs of life with a 24-point outburst, highlighted by guard Bri Justice and forward Amber Bogard combining for 18 points.  Unfortunately, it was too little too late, as the Pride's advantage was never seriously threatened when the final buzzer sounded.

Despite suffering their eighth double digit loss of the season, three Lady Hornets scored in the double figures, led by Bogard's 14 points (7-of-17).  Justice chipped in with 10 points (2-of-8), which included hitting DSU's lone two 3-pointers of the afternoon.  As for forward NaJai Pollard, who was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie and Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, totaled 11 points (5-of-15), seven boards, three steals and a block.   

For Hofstra, guard Jakelle King-Gilchrist tallied 11 points (2-for-2) off the bench, whereas forward Anjie White registered game-highs in rebounds (10) and blocks (3).

Coming up, the Columbia Blue & Red will be back in action on Jan. 6 at Cornell, in what will be their final non-conference contest of the season.

Stingers

DSU's leading scorer Mikah Aldridge (12.0 ppg) was held scoreless for the second time this season, snapping a streaking of scoring double figures in six consecutive games… The Hornets' 17 points in the opening 20 minutes was their third lowest scoring output of any first half this season… Hofstra shot 39 percent (24-of-62) from the field, compared to DSU's 27 percent (20-of-73)… Guard Bri Justice dished out a team-high four assists, in addition to scoring in double figures for the second straight ball game… The Pride won the battle on the boards, 49-46… HU committed 22 turnovers, compared to DSU's 16… Delaware State is now 1-2 all-time against the Pride.