NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion (12-3, 2-1 C-USA) women's basketball team went on an 11-0 scoring run in the fourth quarter to take down Charlotte, 54-51 on Saturday afternoon. The victory marked ODU's first win over the 49ers (10-4, 1-2 C-USA) since February 2017.
"It was a tremendous game in the fourth quarter. I thought our kids played championship basketball down the stretch," said head coach Nikki McCray after the win. "Charlotte was in control of the game the whole time and I thought we stepped it up defensively. Our defense really stepped up and got this win for us down the stretch and we made some big plays."
In the opening 10 minutes, ODU trailed 19-12, shooting just 21 percent while the 49ers were eight-for-13. Charlotte opened up to its biggest lead of the game in that first quarter, leading by nine with 1:20 left in the first. ODU outscored the 49ers in the second quarter, adding 15 points to the scoreboard, while Charlotte tallied just nine. Senior Taylor Edwards led the way in scoring in that 10-minute period, notching nine points alone. Despite the strong second quarter, ODU went into the locker room trailing the 49ers, 28-27.
After the break, ODU and the 49ers battled offensively back and forth. Junior Victoria Morris hit a clutch three-point field goal to take a two-point lead with 3:30 left in the third quarter. Charlotte went on to close the third strong, going on a 5-0 run in the final two minutes. Heading into the final quarter, ODU trailed 43-40. Charlotte continued to score, leading by eight at the under six-minute mark. A Mariah Adams lay up with four minutes to play ended the scoring run for the 49ers, switching the momentum in favor of the Monarchs. Going forward, Amari Young added two key steals in the final frame of play, adding five points for ODU, while Morris tacked on a three-point field goal to close the Charlotte lead to just one point. An Ajah Wayne lay up gave ODU a one point lead with 1:10 on the clock. Senior Ashley Scott drew a foul, draining both of her free throw shots and closing out scoring for ODU in the C-USA win.
"I thought Taylor (Edwards) put the team on her back and just willed us to a win. I thought the people stepped up at the right time. Vikki hit a three, Amari Young got a lay up, Ashley Scott got a key offensive rebound, Ajah Wayne got a key offensive rebound. People just filtered in at the right time and it was a beautiful thing to see."
Overall, seven Monarchs added to the scoring efforts in the Saturday afternoon victory. ODU turned the ball over just 10 times, matching its lowest amount of turnovers in a game this season. ODU scored 32 of its points in the paint and 13 points from the bench.
ODU Notes –
- Taylor Edwards matched her season-high 15 points.
- Ashley Scott matched her career-high points 4 points.
- Scott recorded a season-high 10 rebounds, previous was nine.
- Scott also recorded a career-high four made free throws.
- There were 13 lead changes.
Up Next
ODU continues its home stand on Thursday, Jan. 16 as they welcome Western Kentucky to the Chartway Arena at 6:30 pm.