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Post-Game Press Conference:
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NORFOLK, Va. - The Old Dominion University women's basketball team outlasted Towson in the second half on Thursday night in their home CAA opener with a 65-55 victory at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
After a slow start by both teams offensively in the first half, ODU (11-3, 2-0) was able to find their stride in the second half by shooting 44.9 percent (22-49) from the field while converting on 17 of their 21 free throws (81 percent) in the game to match their season win total from a year ago.
Sophomore Shae Kelley, who battled foul trouble all evening, scored in double figures for the ninth time in 14 games this season and led Old Dominion with 14 points, six assists, four assists, four steals and a block while freshman Galaisha Goodhope warmed up in the second half for the second consecutive game with 11 of her 12 points after halftime in addition to four rebounds, four assists and a steal.
The Lady Monarchs again were able to gain defensive pressure on an opponent as they forced the Tigers into 22 turnovers and cashed in 24 points off of them. ODU had a 16-2 advantage in fast break opportunities and the Lady Monarchs played 11 players as they outscored the Towson bench, 31-6. Thursday was the 11th time in 14 games this season that Old Dominion has forced an opponent into 20 turnovers or more.
Both squads started cold from the field as ODU was able to take a 27-22 lead into halftime spurred on by junior Stephanie Gardner who scored a career-high 11 points, all in the first half, while draining three field goals from behind the arc. Sophomore Tiffany Minor earned her first career start in 46 games played at ODU and added six points, four rebounds, two steals and a new career-high three assists.
Towson (6-7, 0-2) was able to hang with ODU for the majority of the game due to their 39-29 advantage in rebounding and 21 offensive rebounds in the contest. Tanisha McTiller recorded a double-double for the Tigers with 19 points and 10 rebounds to go with seven assists and four steals.
Old Dominion squares off against CAA preseason favorite Delaware on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. Live stats, audio and video will be available. Charles the Monarch will also be making a special appearance at halftime and before the game for fans.
Follow Old Dominion women's basketball on Twitter at twitter.com/ODUWBB and find them on Facebook at facebook.com/LadyMonarchsWBB.