Hofstra women clinch bye in CAA Tournament

Shante Evans had 24 points and 15 rebounds and Marie Malone 12 points and eight rebounds as the Hofstra women's basketball team closed out its home schedule with a 66-55 win over UNC Wilmington at Mack Sports Complex Sunday afternoon.

Hofstra (19-9, 11-6) clinched a first-round bye in the upcoming Colonial Athletic Association Tournament.

Trailing 8-7, Hofstra went on a 19-9 run to take its largest lead of the first half at 26-17 with a little more than four minutes left. Evans had six points in the run.

Wilmington (17-11, 10-7) closed out the half with an 8-2 run to make it 28-25 at the half.

With the game tied at 41 with 12:42 to go, the Pride went on a 12-0 run in the next 4:35 to grab control of the game at 53-41 with 8:07 left. Evans had six points in the run.

The Seahawks got to within six at 55-49 with 4:30 to play. But Wilmington managed only one field goal and four free throws the rest of the way and Hofstra coasted to victory.

In addition to Malone, who was playing her final home game, fellow senior Candice Bellocchio had six assists and four rebounds.

The Pride scored 20 points off 20 UNCW turnovers.

The Pride closes out the regular season Wednesday night at Northeastern.

Hofstra is tied with Drexel (15-12, 11-6) for third in the conference. Delaware (26-1, 17-0), ranked No. 9 nationally, is in first and James Madison (22-6, 13-4) is in second.

The top four seeds get byes in the CAA Tournament, which begins March 8.