GREENVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 29, 2023) … Short-handed Hampton (0-6) lost a 75-55 decision to East Carolina (3-2) before 6,166 --- including thousands of local elementary school students --- at Minges Coliseum.
The Lady Pirates dressed only 10 players with five others sidelined for the game. Bright spots for the Lady Pirates included
Cheyenne Talbot (17 points and eight rebounds),
Camryn Hill (14 points and six boards) and
Aisha Dabo (12 points and two blocked shots). East Carolina's Danae McNeal scored 31 points to lead all scorers.
East Carolina scored seven of the game's first nine points to go ahead 7-2. But Hampton responded by scoring nine of the next 11 points to take a 11-9 lead after a three-pointer by
Camryn Hill. East Carolina employed a pressure defense that forced 10 Hampton turnovers in the opening quarter which led to 14 points. East Carolina led, 20-13, at the end of the first quarter.
Hampton tallied just two field goals (along with six free throws) while shooting 25 percent from the field in the second quarter, attempting eight shots from the field (East Carolina shot 16 times) and fell behind, 36-23, at intermission.
At 14-2 spurt, with four fastbreak baskets, enlarged the East Carolina lead to 50-25, with 5:47 to go in the third quarter. Thirteen of East Carolina's first 16 points of the quarter were by McNeal. East Carolina led, 58-36, after three quarters.
The Lady Pirates played on even terms in the final quarter, outscoring East Carolina, 19-17. Hampton was a perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter.
East Carolina's bench outscored Hampton, 22-0 in the first half and 57-10 for the game.
Hampton returns to action on Dec. 10 when the Lady Pirates travel to Albuquerque, N.M. to take on New Mexico.
