Jan. 31, 2010
NORFOLK, Va. - The Old Dominion Lady Monarchs (10-9, 8-1) became the third program in NCAA history to win 900 games in the modern era as they grinded out a 51-46 victory against the Hofstra Pride (11-10, 4-5) in CAA action today. ODU improved to 900-309 since the inception of the program in the 1969-70 season, joining Tennessee and Louisiana Tech as the only NCAA programs with 900 victories.
The win would not be pretty, as ODU shot just 34.7% from the field in the game with 22 turnovers. However, the Lady Monarchs would end the game on a 12-4 run in the final 6:29 to turn a three-point deficit into a five-point victory. The run included the biggest three of Carolann Cloutier's young career from the top of the key with 2:33 remaining to give ODU the lead. The rookie's three was triggered by a steal from senior Jessica Canady and a terrific pass on the fast break from junior Jasmine Parker.
Parker and Canady continued their stellar play in CAA action this season as the junior scored 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, adding two assists and four steals. Canady had nine points and six rebounds, but also filled the stat sheet with two assists, a block and two steals, including the deciding theft with under three minutes to play. Sophomore Tia Lewis stepped up in a big way down the stretch, scoring 10 of the Lady Monarchs' last 16 points, finishing with 12 in the game. She also had seven rebounds and two steals for ODU.
Both teams struggled from the field early in the game, as the two teams combined for just 38 points at the half. Old Dominion had a four-point lead, up 21-17 at intermission, led by Parker scoring nine points on 3-of-5 shooting.
The two teams combined for 29 turnovers in the first 20 minutes as ODU shot 32% from the field (8-25) while Hofstra added just 25.9% from the field (7-of-27). Point guard Candice Bellocchio led the way for the Pride, scoring five points while adding three assists and three steals.
After the break, Hofstra would lean on its rookie star, Shante Evans, to take the lead. Evans scored 14 points in the second half as the Pride held a small lead for the majority. Neither team led by more than six in the game, though, giving ODU the opportunity to make the game-winning run.
After Cloutier's three, Lewis knocked down a free-throw to give ODU a three-point lead, 47-44. After a missed jumper for Hofstra, Parker took the ball herself, cutting through the lane and made a tough layup against the league's top shot-blocker, Jess Fuller. The bucket gave ODU a five-point lead with less than thirty seconds remaining.
Evans' 18 points and eight rebounds were game-high's as she led Hofstra on 6-of-14 shooting. Bellocchio finished with seven points, six assists and five steals as well.
The win was not only the 900th in program history, but also the 98th within the confines of the Ted Constant Convocation Center, creeping to within two of the century mark in this, the eighth year as home.
ODU returns to action this Thursday, traveling to UNC Wilmington (7-13, 2-7) for the only matchup this season against the Seahawks.