Women's Basketball Drops Defensive Battle to Dominican, 49-43

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BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Facing the top team in the CACC's North Division thus far, the University of Bridgeport's women's basketball team dropped a 49-43 matchup against Dominican on Wednesday night. The loss puts the Purple Knights at 2-5 in the CACC this season while the Chargers move to 7-0.

Despite the final outcome, it was a gutsy effort from the home squad. Trailing by 15 late in the third quarter, the Purple Knights scratched their way to within one point at the 3:17 mark of regulation.

It was a Ciera Cevallos three-pointer that trimmed the Dominican edge to 42-41. After that, UB went cold with five straight misses from the field. The Chargers capitalized and were able to close the game on a 7-2 run.

The Purple Knights' defense sparked the comeback. Bridgeport held Dominican well under their season average in points (66.4 ppg). UB also limited the Chargers to an 18-of-55 effort (32.7%) from the field while piling up 12 steals and forcing 16 turnovers.

The Purple Knights have now racked up double-digit steals in seven games this season. They also rank third in the CACC in scoring defense, allowing just under 60 points per contest.

Individually, it was Shakira Hester and Ana Gascon at the forefront. Hester led the Purple Knights' offense with 14 points while Gascon posted a stat line of seven points, nine rebounds, and five steals.

Hester also chipped in four steals while adding a pair of blocks as well.

As a team, the home squad shot 17-of-56 from the field (3-19 3-pt FG) and 6-for-10 from the free-throw line. UB's bench outproduced Dominican's bench, 12-0.

UP NEXT
The Purple Knights will travel to Delaware on Saturday to face Goldey-Beacom at 1 p.m.