NEW YORK, N.Y.- In a highly anticipated clash between two of the top teams in the City University of New York Athletic Conference (CUNYAC), the Hunter College women's basketball team fell just short on its home court, dropping a 66-59 decision to Brooklyn College Wednesday evening in the Sportsplex.

Hunter (11-5, 4-1 CUNYAC) was silent to start the game, giving up a nine-point opening run to the Bulldogs (12-3, 5-0 CUNYAC) , but the squad's energy soon kicked into high gear, steadily digging itself out of the deficit. The Purple and Gold took the lead with less than two minutes left in the first quarter, off of a layup from Mia Fuller. Hunter continued to control the remainder of the first half as a pair of back-to-back buckets from Wanhua Peng gave Hunter a nine-point advantage early in the second quarter. Peng collected 11 points in just the first half of play, sending Hunter into the intermission up 34-23.

Despite the lead, Brooklyn bounced back coming out of the break, and ultimately overwhelmed Hunter, highlighted by a 22-point fourth quarter. 

Alexa Charles once again led Hunter with 21 points, eight rebounds, and eight steals, continuing her all-around dominance. The senior guard added five assists and hit all three of her free-throw attempts, sparking several fast-break opportunities and timely defensive stops.

Wanhua Peng provided a major boost off the bench, scoring 16 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including two three-pointers and a perfect 4-for-5 from the line. Kennedy DeRuy tallied 10 points and five rebounds, while Gianna Henriques collected 11 boards and chipped in four points, five assists, and a block.

The Hawks return to the court on Friday, as they travel to Lehman College for a 7 p.m. conference match up.