Senior Krystal Luciano just missed her second triple-double of the season.
#9 Hofstra Tops #8 Towson 77-66 in Opening Round
Michael Ray
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HARRISONBURG, Va. (March 8, 2017) – Ninth-seeded Hofstra (13-17) advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2017 CAA Women’s Basketball Championship with a 77-66 victory over eighth-seeded Towson (12-18) at the JMU Convocation Center.
How It Happened
Hofstra’s first basket came off a great steal from
Krystal Luciano, which led to an easy lay-up for the Pride which set the tone early. Luciano’s steal and basket sparked an early 15-3 run for the Pride, giving them a lead they would never relinquish.
On the defensive end, Hofstra held Towson to just 26.9 percent from the field in the first half and 37 percent for the game. Hofstra went into the locker room holding a 38-27 lead.
Towson began to chip away at the lead in the third quarter, pulling within eight points. Hofstra held them off, opening a 59-37 lead. The Pride led by as much as 24 points in the fourth quarter and held off a feisty Tigers team the rest of the way en route to the victory.
By The Numbers
- - Towson’s Raven Bankston led all scorers with 30 points on 9-of-17 shooting in her final game as a Tiger. It was her fourth 30-point game of the season.
- - The Tigers’ Raine Bankston added 17 points while Nukiya Mayo finished with 10 points.
- - Hofstra had three of its five starters score in double figures, including Ashunae Durant who had 15 points to go along with eight boards.
- - Hofstra’s Krystal Luciano scored 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, along with nine rebounds and eight assists, just missing her second triple-double of the season.
- - Hofstra held a 39-31 advantage in rebounds.
- - Towson out-scored Hofstra, 29-10, in the fourth quarter.
Towson Head Coach Niki Reid Geckeler on the difference in the game: “I would’ve liked to seen a better defensive effort throughout the game, especially early in the game.”
Hofstra Head Coach Krista Kilburn-Steveskey on her team’s performance: “We came out and proved our toughness today after our physical matchup with them prior. We have nothing to lose tomorrow facing the regular season champions, besides playing our hearts out.”
Hofstra University senior guard Krystal Luciano on her effort: “After getting those fouls early in the game, I felt I had to change my mindset and play smarter and more efficient.”
Next up for Hofstra: The Pride will face top-seeded Elon in a quarterfinal matchup at 12 p.m. on March 9. The game can be seen live on CAA.tv.