Dec. 15, 2010

Final Stats

CONWAY- Coastal Carolina women's hoops was defeated by the visiting UNC Wilmington Seahawks by a final of 79-45 on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at Kimbel Arena.

The loss was the first at home this season and drops the Chanticleers back to the .500 mark at 5-5, a third of the way through the season, as UNCW improves to 6-2 on the year with the victory.

The first half saw the Chants overcome an early 17-7 deficit to climb back into the game on the hot shooting of Sydnei Moss as the team put together an impressive 18-6 run to take the lead for the first time in the game at the 6:50 mark. During the stretch Moss scored 10 points including two deep shots from beyond the arc.

After taking the lead, Coastal and UNCW engaged in a back an forth battle as neither team was able take more than a five point lead before the final whistle of the half blew with the Chanticleer holding a slight 33-31 advantage on the Seahawks.

Coastal shot 40.7 percent from the floor in the first half which was the highest percentage to open a game since shooting 44.4 percent in the fifth game of the season against Campbell. The Chants also connected on three shots from beyond the arc as Moss went 2-of-2 and Olivia Irick went 1-of-1.

The second half belonged to UNC Wilmington as the Seahawks opened the period on a 29-5 run through the first eleven minutes to build a 21 point lead and all but put the game away. During the run, UNCW sank 12 of their 21 second half shots and four free throws.

The Chants struggled to find the nylon in the second half as three of Coastal's first four shots found the rim, but would not drop through. As the night continued, Coastal would continue to struggle to make shots as the Chants only made five second half baskets.

Coastal was led by Olivia Irick's career-high 18 points on 7-of-14 from the field with three treys. Moss was the only other Chants in double figures with 14 points.

The Chants ended the evening shooting 34.6 percent with 31 boards and seven steals.

UNC Wilmington's Kristen Hanzer led all scorers in the game with 22 points on 9-of-11 shooting.

Next, the Chanticleers will make their annual appearance in the Carolinas Challenge at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Sunday, Dec. 19. Tip-off with the Butler Bulldogs of the Horizon League is set for 1 p.m.