WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Jordan McLemore and Jada Lucas scored 10 points apiece on Wednesday night, as the Hartford women's basketball team fell just short in the home opener to Hofstra, 43-41.

PHOTO GALLERY

HOFSTRA 43, HARTFORD 41
The two sides exchanged runs in the opening half, as the teams exchanged the lead eight times during that stretch. Trailing 25-15 with 1:59 left in the second quarter, the Hawks closed the half with a swift 4-0 run to cut the deficit to six heading into the break.
 
After Hartford cut the deficit to 27-24 out of the half, the Pride responded with a 7-0 run to hold a 34-24 lead with 2:45 left in the third quarter. Sparked by a layup from Lawrencia Moten, the Hawks went on a 10-3 run to cut the Hofstra lead to 37-34 with 7:07 left in regulation.
 
The Pride built its lead up to 43-34 with 1:58 remaining, before the Hawks went on a 7-0 run, capped by a layup from Charlotte Leurs, to cut the deficit to 43-41 with 40 seconds remaining. After getting a stop on defense, Hartford had a chance to tie or win the game in the final seconds, but a missed jumper at the buzzer sealed the 43-41 loss.
 
INSIDE THE BOX AND NOTES

• McLemore and Lucas paced the Hawks with 10 points apiece
• McLemore led the way with a game-high five assists
• Carmen Villalobos recorded seven points and nine rebounds in her collegiate debut
• Sophomore Sierra Smith tallied a career-high three steals
• Sophomore Charlotte Leurs added eight points and four rebounds in her collegiate debut
• JaKayla Brown led the way for Hofstra with a game-high 12 points

 
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The Hawks will be back in action on Sunday (Nov. 10), when Hartford welcomes URI to Reich Family Pavilion for a 2 p.m. tip-off on ESPN+. Tickets for the contest can be purchased by clicking here, or by calling 860-768-HAWK. For more information on the Hartford women's basketball team, stay with HartfordHawks.com for updates and follow the team on social media (Twitter | Instagram)