NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Junior Ashley Bates recorded career highs with 25 points and six assists to go with five rebounds and five steals but Hampton dropped an 88-63 decision at Columbia on Wednesday night to close out their non-conference schedule in New York City.

The Lions used an 8-0 spurt midway through the first quarter to push a three-point advantage out to 22-11 on a triple by Abby Lee with 3:50 left.  They grew the advantage to 28-16 after one on a layup by Imani Whittington.

Bates closed the second quarter for Hampton with a pair of layups as Hampton trimmed the deficit to 41-32 at halftime.  In the second half, Hampton cut the lead to 43-35 on a triple by Bates which turned into the closest the Lady Pirates got in the final 20 minutes.

Laren VanArsdale added 13 points for Hampton as they will open their first Big South Conference campaign on Saturday at Charleston Southern.

For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.