BOX SCORE NEW YORK, NY – The Hunter Hawks defeated SUNY Old Westbury 70-63 on Friday night in the opening game of the 2014 Hunter Women's Basketball Tip-Off Tournament.
In the first half the Hawks were able to control the offensive glass, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds in the first 20 minutes. Despite shooting 25% from the field in the first half, the Hawks went into the break with a 32-23 lead, thanks in large part to their ability to get to the free throw line, getting to the line 19 times in the first half.
In the second half the Hawks were able to ratchet up the defensive pressure forcing the Panthers into turnovers and turning them into fast break layups. The Hawks halftime lead ballooned to 16, three different times in the second half. Senior
Joey Chan shot 5-10 in the second half en route to a game-high 20 points.
The Panthers would fight back to make the game close down the stretch, going on a 10-0 run to cut a 57-45 Hawks lead to 57-55 with just over six minutes to go. The Hawks would rally, never giving up the lead or allowing the Panthers to tie the score. Up by only two, Dimitra Thomopulos made a layup with 1:48 remaining to give the Hawks a 65-61 lead. The Hawks would sink 4-of-5 free throws down the stretch to secure a 70-63 victory.
Along with Chan's 20 points,
Kristen Markoe notched her first triple-double of the season tallying 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.
Ayanna Hudson grabbed 11 rebounds to go along with nine points, while Thomopulos grabbed 12 rebounds to go along with eight points.
The Hawks move on the championship game Saturday afternoon at 3pm where they will play Lebanon Valley College, who defeated Eastern University 74-59.
