NORFOLK, Va. – Four Lady Monarchs scored in double figures as the Old Dominion University women’s basketball team cruised to a 97-67 victory over Delaware State in both teams’ regular season opener on Saturday afternoon at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.
Senior co-captain Stephanie Gardner led all scorers and set her career high for points after shooting 6-14 from the field (4-7 3PT FG) on her way to scoring 21 points. Shae Kelley proved she can do it all on Saturday, after going for 13 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, five steals and two blocks.
Old Dominion ended the first half on a 29-9 run over the last 9:38 of the first half to take a 25 point lead into the locker room. For the game, Old Dominion’s bench outscored the Hornet’s, 33-7. The Lady Monarchs also took advantage of points off turnovers (26-10), second chance points (31-15) and fast-break points (14-3). For the game, ODU hauled down 32 offensive rebounds and 56 total boards on Saturday.
George Washington transfer, Chelisa Painter (5-6 FT’s) chipped in with 11 points of her own and grabbed nine boards. Galaisha Goodhope dished out four assists on her way to scoring 10 points. Tiffany Minor added nine points, while senior Becca Allison scored 8.
Delaware State was led by Raven Bankston and Tierra Hawkins who both scored 18 points. The Hornets also received 11 points from Raven’s twin, Raine Bankston. Deanna Harmon hauled down 11 rebounds on her way to scoring nine points for Delaware State.
For the game, ODU attempted 83 shots (38.6 FG%) compared to the Hornet’s 59 (42.4 FG%). The Lady Monarchs forced 22 turnovers, while only turning the ball over 11 times of their own. As a team, Old Dominion led the assist-count, 21-9.
FIRST HALF
The Lady Monarchs jumped off to an early lead thanks in large part to the senior co-captain, Stephanie Gardner’s 13 points in the first five minutes of play. Gardner hit four of her first five field goal attempts, while connecting on three of four from three-point land.
Delaware State was able to waste no time putting the ball in the hoop in the first 10 minutes of the contest, as they shot a blistering 61% from the field. At the under eight media timeout, Old Dominion used a 9-0 advantage from points off their bench, as well as outscored the Hornets 13-2 on points off turnovers at that point. By the 3:58 mark in the first half, ODU was ahead 47-23 before taking a 53-28 lead into halftime.
At the half, the Lady Monarchs had benefitted from 16 points from their bench, while only allowing Delaware State starters to score in the first half. Also in the first 20 minutes of play, Old Dominion outscored the Hornets, 16-4, on points off turnovers.
Next Up
The Lady Monarchs will take on the Hokies of Virginia Tech at 7 p.m. on Monday night at the Ted Constant Center. Virginia Tech finished the season 10-20 last season and went 4-14 in ACC conference games. In last season’s opener, the Lady Monarchs emerged victorious in Blacksburg by a 55-35 margin on Nov. 9, 2012. The Hokies are coached by Dennis Wolff, who is poised to begin his third season at the helm. Last year, Wolff’s squad upset then-19th ranked Florida State 71-52 in Cassell Coliseum. Monday night’s contest will also be ‘Girl Scout Night’ at the Ted.
Be sure to follow ODU Women’s Basketball at @ODUWBB on Twitter and ‘Like’ the ODU Lady Monarch Basketball page by clicking HERE to stay up to date with the latest news and coverage.
ODU Cruises Past Del. St. in Season Opener, 97-67
