Riverdale, NY - The College of Mount Saint Vincent's women's basketball team returned to their home court for the first time since before Thanksgiving in a Skyline Conference matchup against SUNY Old Westbury. The Dolphins continued their hot start to the 2019-20 season, defeating the Panthers by the score of 55 to 45. CMSV, who beat Old Westbury for the first time since 2016, now hold a record of 5-2 on the season.
The first quarter started off slow for both teams, with a tied score at four apiece on the scoreboard at the six-minute mark. The Dolphins then turned up their offensive game plan, with
DarNeisha Brice and
Ashley Martin knocking down shots on back to back possessions, bringing the score to 8-4. From there, CMSV went on a strong 10-4 run, shooting 50% along the way, to close out the first quarter.
The second quarter saw roles reversed, with the Panthers now excelling on offense by outscoring CMSV seven points to two within the first five minutes. Despite their struggles, the Dolphins were able to maintain their lead at halftime by causing seven turnovers. CMSV went into the locker room leading 27-18.
The second half saw the Dolphins revert to their first quarter ways, as the offense turned it back on. As a whole, the team shot 44% from the floor and 50% from three-point range while out-rebounding the Panthers by four.
DarNeisha Brice, the conference's leading scorer, led the way with 14 points to go along with four assists and four steals. Senior
Dez Brown, a new addition to the starting lineup, posted her first double double of the season with 11 points and 12 rebounds while
Aria Rheams added 11 points and nine boards.
Leah Pinili came off the bench and provided valuable minutes with eight points and four assists.
Now 3-1 in the Conference, the Dolphins will turn their attention to Farmingdale State, a team that made the postseason a year ago. Tip-off is scheduled for this Saturday at 11:00 AM inside the Peter Jay Sharp Center.