Sluggish Second Half Dooms Women's Hoops vs. Gallaudet

Sluggish Second Half Dooms Women's Hoops vs. Gallaudet

WASHINGTON – Despite a nine-point lead at halftime, the Wells College women's basketball team mustered only 14 points in the second half and dropped a 58-52 decision to host Gallaudet University Sunday afternoon. With the loss, Wells dips to 6-11 on the year (5-7 NEAC) while the Bison improve to 11-9 (10-6). 

Wells was led by junior Holli Erkson (Cooperstown, N.Y.) and her 13 total points and nine rebounds. Senior Kaitlynne Knapp (Port Byron, N.Y.) scored 11 points and freshman Kamarie Maturine (Brooklyn, N.Y.) tallied eight points and eight rebounds. As a team, the Express shot only 16% in the second half of play (4-for-25) despite a mark of 39.4% in the opening 20 minutes. 

In the first half alone, Wells scored an impressive 19 points off of Bison turnovers and built up a nine point lead with 4:33 remaining following a Maturine layup. Cumulatively, Wells shot at nearly 40% from the floor in the opening 20 minutes while holding the decisive 25-to-17 advantage on the glass. 

Wells struggled mightily in the second half, connecting only four field goals in 25 total opportunities while Gallaudet shot 11-for-29 from the floor (37.9%). Despite the Bison's team struggles from the free throw line, shooting 9-for-23 from the charity stripe (39.1%), Wells' inability to generate offense in the opening nine allowed Gallaudet to score 16 of the second half's 17 points. 

Zamica Gage scored 17 total points for Gallaudet, leading players from both teams while Lane Peters reeled in 10 total rebounds. Kori Koss assisted a team-leading five baskets while Peters and Koss each teamed up to post three steals apiece. 

The Express return to action Wednesday, Feb. 11 as they host Keuka at 5 p.m.