Hampton University
James Madison
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Dukes squeeze past Lady Pirates, 54-45
12.9.06 | Women's Basketball
HAMPTON, Va.-The Lady Pirates lost to CAA opponent James Madison for their second straight loss, dropping a 54-45 decision to the Dukes inside the HU Convocation Center Saturday night.
The Pirates fall to 3-4 on the season, while JMU picks up their fourth win in a row to improve to 6-1.
There were nine ties and seven lead changes before JMU outscored the Lady Pirates 12-3 in a two minute span to go up 40-33 with 8:31 to play. Hampton then scored six of the game’s next eight points to close within two (41-39) with 7:09 ticks left in the game.
However, the Dukes responded by outscoring the blue and white 9-2 to post its biggest lead, 50-41, with 3:33 left in regulation. Andrea Benvenuto sparked the run with a jumper at 6:54, and then connected two foul shots at 6:22. Jennifer Brown added two more free throws at 4:28 and Tamera Young sealed the run with a three-pointer at 3:33.
Both teams got off to a strong start defensively as neither team ever led by more than four points in a first half that saw five lead changes. The Pirates saw their largest lead at the 6:30 mark (11-8), while the Dukes had the advantage at with 1:16 left (20-16). The Dukes looked to take the edge into the locker room at halftime, but back-to-back Pirate three-pointers by junior guard Rachel Butler (Dallas, Texas/Lincoln HS) in the final minute of the half gave Hampton a 22-20 lead at intermission. With the Pirates up by two JMU trailed at the half for the first time this season.
Hampton was led by Butler and sophomore guard Roneisha Corbitt (Philadelphia, Pa. /Paul Robeson) with 11 points apiece. Sophomore forward Courtnie McKinney (St. Louis, Mo. /University City HS) led the team in boards with nine on the night.
The Dukes were led by Lesley Dickinson with 14 points and center Meredith Alexis added 12 points and 13 rebounds.
The Lady Pirates will return to action on Monday, December 18 as they head to Birmingham, Alabama for the UAB Tournament hosted by the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Hampton will open the tournament against SWAC foe Alabama State at 4 p.m.
