Albany, N.Y. - Freshman Kate Loper scored a career-high 21 points off the bench to pace five players in double figures in leading Hofstra to a 90-60 non-league victory over UAlbany on Monday, Dec. 20 at SEFCU Arena. The Pride has won seven straight since a season-opening loss to Virginia.
     Hofstra (7-1) used an effective full-court press to jump out to a 14-2 lead at the start. Candice Bellocchio, who had 13 points and 10 assists, hit a jumper in transition and followed with a three-point play after making a steal. Aamira Terry added a three-point field goal from the left corner before Shante Evans scored consecutive baskets.
     UAlbany (7-4) trailed by 14 midway through the half, but then sliced the deficit to 23-18. Felicia Johnson, who had a team-high 16 points, made two free throws and drilled a three-pointer during that span. However, Hofstra regrouped with 10 of the game's next 13 points to take control. Candace Bond connected on a jumper from the right elbow and Loper put back an offensive rebound to ignite a stretch that pushed the lead back to double figures. The Pride, who forced 23 of UAlbany's 27 turnovers in the first half, extended their margin to 18 by the break.
     Loper, who made 6-of-10 from the floor, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, keyed an early final-period outburst that extended the margin to 20-plus points. She sank two foul shots before canning back-to-back three-pointers, including one from the top of the arc off an inbounds pass, and her team was comfortably ahead, 63-37.
     "They have a good system and they did a good job of getting the ball out of Felicia Johnson's hands," said UAlbany coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, whose team has dropped three of its last four outings. "They make you rush and then you take a deep breath after breaking the pressure instead of attacking. Cassandra Callaway tried to step up, but they were able to get us out of our set plays."
     Evans finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Isoken Uzamere and Bond added 10 apiece. The Pride, who advanced to the second round of last year's WNIT Tournament, held UAlbany to 36.4-percent shooting and came up with 18 steals. UAlbany's Cassanda Callaway had 12 points and Julie Forster added 10 points and 12 rebounds. The 6-foot sophomore recorded her fifth double-double of the season.

Hofstra 90, UAlbany 60 (12/20/10 at Albany, N.Y. (SEFCU Arena))

Hofstra 90

Albany 60