PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Jan. 5, 2024) … Despite a 26-point performance by
Camryn Hill, Hampton (0-11, 0-1) dropped a 72-57 decision to Drexel (6-4, 1-0) in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) opener for both teams.
The Lady Pirates fell behind in the early-going, trailing 8-2 midway through the first quarter. Hampton's Ziaha Minnis account for six of Hampton's 11 first-quarter points with a pair of three-pointers. Despite her heroics, the Drexel lead grew to nine, 20-11, at the end of the quarter.
Drexel's lead grew to 34-23 midway through the second quarter before Hill caught fire. The senior scored Hampton's final 13 points of the second quarter as Hampton narrowed Drexel's 11-point first quarter advantage to 36-30.
Hill remained red hot in the third quarter. After a three-point basket by Minnis, Hill's back-to-back buckets closed the gap to 39-37 with 5:02 left in the quarter forcing a Dragon's timeout. Hill's nine third quarter points kept that Lady Pirates close. Hampton closed to within two points on four occasions before falling behind, 51-46, after three periods.
After trailing by just five at the end of three quarters, Drexel took control in the final period, outscoring the Lady Pirates, 21-11, in the period. Hampton tallied just two field goals in the fourth quarter while shooting 20 percent (2-of-10) from the field and converting 7-of-10 from the line.
Hill tied her career-high with 26 points while playing 39 minutes against Drexel. Minnis set her Hampton career high with 11 points.
The game was the first for the Lady Pirates after a 10-day break for the Christmas holidays. The Drexel game was the first of a two-game road swing for Hampton. The Lady Pirates travel to Newark, Del. to face Delaware on Sunday, Jan. 7.
The Lady Pirates return home to host longtime foe North Carolina A&T on Jan. 14 at the Convocation Center.
