CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Old Dominion University women’s basketball team fell to Charlotte, 80-59, at Dale F. Halton Arena. Wednesday night’s game was the first conference game of the season for both teams and the first ever in the C-USA for ODU. The 49ers now move to 7-7 (1-0) on the season, while the Lady Monarchs fall to 7-8 (0-1).
Ny Hammonds came into the game leading the 49ers in scoring (11.6 ppg), and on Wednesday she led all scorers with 18 points on just 3-10 shooting from the floor but went 12-15 from the free-throw line. Hammonds also dished out seven assists and hauled down five boards.
Senior co-captain, Stephanie Gardner filled up the stat sheet and led Old Dominion in scoring as she turned in a 14 point, four rebound, two assist, two steal and one block performance on Wednesday. Shae Kelley fell just shy of her 10th double-double of the season, recording 12 points and eight rebounds. Kelley was limited to just seven minutes of playing time in the first half, as she picked up two early first half fouls.
For the game, a total of 58 personal fouls were whistled; 31 on ODU and 27 on Charlotte. The 49ers shot a total of 40 free throws, making 28 of them for 70.0%. The Lady Monarchs hit 17-33 from the charity stripe for 51.5%.
Galaisha Goodhope (six assists) and Odegua Oigbokie (four rebounds) each scored nine points in the losing effort. Chelisa Painter posted six points and six rebounds (four offensive) for the Lady Monarchs on Wednesday.
Also in double-figures for scoring for Charlotte were: Kira Gordon (17 points, seven rebounds) and Lefty Webster (13 points, four steals, three rebounds and three assists). Gabby Tyler went for seven points, seven rebounds, three blocks and one steal for the 49ers.
As a team, Charlotte shot 42.1% (24-57) from the floor and 36.4% (4-11) from behind the arc. For the contest, Old Dominion hit 35.7% (20-56) of their field goal attempts and 18.2% (2-11) from downtown.
First Half Notes
In a half that saw four ties and two lead changes, Charlotte would take a 38-24 lead into the locker room behind 10 points from Lefty Webster, who led all scorers at the midway point. Leading the way for the Lady Monarchs was Stephanie Gardner, who scored eight points. Odegua Oigbokie scored five first half points.
A total of 27 fouls were called in the opening half of play. Shae Kelley picked up her second foul of the first 20 minutes with 12:57 remaining and would sit the rest of the half.
For the half, Charlotte shot 37.9% (11-29) from the floor, 42.9% (3-7) from three-point range and 65% (13-20) from the free-throw line. Old Dominion hit 33.3% (9-27) of their first half shots, shot 14.3% (1-7) from downtown and 38.5% (5-13) from the charity stripe.
Next Up for the Lady Monarchs
Old Dominion will return home to the Ted Constant Center on Saturday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m., when they will square-off on the hardwood against Tulane.
Next Karen Barefoot Coach’s Show
The next Coach’s Show will be Monday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at YNot Pizza and Italian Cuisine in the University Village, hosted by the Voice of the Lady Monarchs, Doug Ripley, on ESPN Radio 94.1.
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