BOX SCORE
PHOTO GALLERY
West Hartford, Conn. – The University of Hartford women's basketball team fell to 0-3 on the season after dropping its home opener, 53-75, to the Providence College Friars on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks were led by junior Ilicia Mathis who finished with a season-high for all players of 17 points.
Mathis, who was named the Nestle Purina ONE America East Player of the Game, was the only Hawk to score in double figures, finishing the game shooting 5-of-8 from the field, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc and 5-of-6 from the free throw line. Mathis' 17 points is the most for her since setting her career-high of 20 against Stony Brook (Feb. 28, 12009) as a freshman.
Ruthanne Doherty added eight points, while Jackie Smith added six and Mary Silvia added five. In total, nine of the Hawks 11 eligible players finished with at least two points in the game. As a team, the Hawks shot 32.8 percent (19-of-58). The home team struggled to find the basket in the first half, connecting on just 6-of-27 total shots for 22.2 percent, but loosened up in the second half, finishing the second 20 minutes shooting 41.9 percent (13-of-31).
The Hawks first half drought that began during the Boston College game continued against the Friars with the opposition able to open up an early lead, outscoring the Hawks 16-2 in the first eight minutes of the game. Following the only bucket of the game for sophomore Nikkia Smith, the Friars were able to extend their run and their lead to 20, with eight straight points to go ahead 24-4 with 7:40 remaining in the first half.
The Friars took a 40-17 advantage into the break, led by Miranda Tate and Symone Roberts who added nine and eight points, respectively. The Friars, who made their first four shot attempts of the game, finished the first half shooting 43.8 percent (14-of-32).
The Hawks came out of the halftime break showing a bit of spark, scoring nine of the first 12 points of the second half, all on three pointers from Jackie Smith (two) and Silvia. The Hawks were only able to mount runs of six-straight points on two occasions, with the later being the closest the Hawks would get 48-65 with 3:55 remaining in the game.
Hartford again struggled to find its way in rebounding, suffering a 53-27 Providence advantage on the boards. The Hawks rebounding efforts were led by Doherty who finished with six rebounds. Much of the rebounding edge for the Friars came in the first half when the Hawks managed just 10 rebounds, compared to 31 for the visitors.
The Hawks will return to action at home on Monday night when they host in-state rival Sacred Heart at 7:00 p.m. Hartford and Sacred Heart met last season, with the Hawks needing to mount a come-from-behind victory, after trailing by as much as 13.
