Nov. 25, 2006
Box Score
Neumann (2-1) defeated Widener University (3-1), 61-56 in its season home opener, breaking the Pioneers three game winning streak at the Bruder Gymnasium this afternoon.
The Knights' cross-town rival came out to a four point lead before the Neumann seemed to be able to feel the boards beneath their feet. The Knights' Dominique Thompson and Brittany Whetts sparked Neumann's offense scoring one apiece to tie the game at 4. The two teams played hard throughout the remainder of the first half with Widener taking a 6-point lead at the half, 29-23.
The visitors quickly extended their six-point lead over the Knights to 11 early in the second half. A time out called by Neumann's Head Coach Frank Farnese helped to focus the Knights' young team. Neumann returned to the court and went on a seven point run led by Caitlin Agnew (3), Thompson (2) and Whetts (2), which closed the gap on Widener.
The two teams battled back and forth with Widener taking a seven-point lead over the Knights twice in the remainder of the second half. However, the Pioneers were unable to maintain the advantage. Neumann put the game in their favor permanently when Mary Beth Szczesny scored her 5th 3-point basket of the season giving the Knights just their third lead of the game, 55-53. Neumann extended their lead in the final minutes of play behind free throws by Whetts and Agnew recording a 61-56 wins over the Pioneers in their season home opener.
Neumann's Brittany Whetts scored 13 points in the win while Ashley Pearsal, Dominique Thompson, and Caitlin Agnew each had 11. Widener's Beth Dessart Mager scored 16 for the Pioneers in the loss.
Neumann will return to action on Monday when they host Penn State Berks at 7:00 p.m.
