HAMPTON — Hampton University’s women delivered the response they wanted. They just couldn’t deliver the finish.
Two weeks after a 33-point loss against the Dragons that began with a scoreless first quarter, the Pirates pushed Drexel to the final possession Friday night before falling 50-47 at the Convocation Center — their eighth loss in the last nine games.
Hampton (9-16, 3-10 Coastal Athletic Association) led 38-33 entering the fourth quarter and thrice had chances in the final minute to take control, but 22 turnovers and 22 Drexel offensive rebounds — a costly catch-22 — ultimately proved too much to overcome.
“It’s uncharacteristic of us to have 22 turnovers, and they don’t even press really,” Hampton coach Tamisha Augustin said. “If we shave down five of those, four of those to our norm, I feel like it’s a different ballgame.”
The Pirates, who trailed 20-0 in their loss to the Dragons in Philadelphia, erased an early 9-2 deficit in the rematch with a 15-3 run spanning the first and second quarters. Full-court pressure and physical halfcourt defense disrupted Drexel’s rhythm, holding the Dragons to 1-of-13 shooting (7%) during that stretch. Drexel shot just 17 of 60 (28.3%) overall. The game was tied 24-24 headed into the break.
“I’m pleased with our young ladies’ effort defensively,” Augustin said. “I thought tonight they showed team defense. I wanted them to be in sync and in tune with each other.”
The defensive intensity carried into the third quarter, when Drexel did not make its first field goal until the 4:22 mark. Kiki McElrath took advantage, scoring eight quick points — including a pair of 3-pointers — to help Hampton build a five-point edge.
“Really just reading the defense,” McElrath said of her post-halftime burst. “Recognizing what they were in and taking advantage of it.”
But Drexel answered with a 14-3 fourth-quarter run to reclaim the lead. Hampton trimmed the deficit to 47-46 with 1:25 remaining and forced key stops in the final minute. However, the Pirates also committed costly turnovers at the 1:11 and 0:36 marks and went 0 for 4 from the field with three giveaways after making it a one-point game.
McElrath, who led all scorers with 19 points, had a potential go-ahead 3-pointer blocked with eight seconds left. After a split pair of free throws and another turnover in the closing seconds, Hampton’s final opportunity slipped away.
The Dragons converted 12 second-chance points and 20 points off Hampton’s turnovers — margins Augustin said weighed heavily afterward.
“They played harder,” Augustin said of the improvement from the first meeting. “They wanted it more. You’ve got to play with a chip on your shoulder, and I thought tonight was a good start to getting back on the right foot.”
Aaryn Battle, continuing to regain rhythm after her recent absence, said the narrow margin showed growth despite the result.
“It hurts,” Battle said. “But it’s an eye-opener. We can do this if we stick together, play principles and communicate.”
Hampton closes its three-game homestand Sunday against Monmouth.
