Last week, the Chargers faced off against the Pace University Setters and won the conference game, 49-45.
After four straight losses, the Chargers were able to break their losing streak after a late breakthrough in the fourth quarter.
“It felt great to catch the dub today, we’ve been talking about bouncing back from these last few games,” said guard Schuyler Coles. “We knew it was going to be a tough opponent and we locked into scout and pushed through a battle.”
Early in the game, the Setters took the lead over the Chargers, but New Haven’s offense was able to catch up and enter halftime tied, 22-22. In the second half, both teams rallied against one another until New Haven guard Nayeli Dowding hit a three-pointer that took the lead, which the Chargers held for the remainder of the game.
“During halftime, we talked about the points we were lacking in,” said Coles. “Our turnovers played a big factor, and we held each other accountable to come out in the 3rd quarter strong, which we did. Our players and coach always say, we have to start the third like it’s 0-0 and come out with the same intensity or even better intensity than we did starting the game.”
Coles led the Chargers with 16 points after shooting 4-for-7 from the field and 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Coles also had five rebounds and an assist. Forward Aniya McDonald-Perry finished with 12 points after shooting 4-for-5 from the field and 1-for-1 from behind the three-point arc. In addition, she had seven rebounds. Dowding finished closely behind with 10 points.
Aside from New Haven’s leading scorers, four other Chargers were able to put points up on the scoreboard. Guard Charlotte Bassett added seven points, 11 rebounds and an assist. Forward Bianca Pendleton finished with two points secured at the free-throw line. Center Paige Cote and guard Eveani Okwuosa each had one point. Cote also had five rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Chargers finished 34.2% from the shooting field compared to the Setters shooting 27%. New Haven shot 40% from the three-point arc while Pace shot 28.6%. After 17 personal fouls committed by Pace, the Chargers finished 19-for-27 from the free-throw line. New Haven tallied 44 rebounds, 17 turnovers, four assists, three steals and two blocks. The Chargers also committed 13 personal fouls.
Coles said that she is looking forward to the remainder of the season and that the team needs to bring their intensity up to a higher level. “I do think we all can bring something to the table and score the ball very well when we all play at our highest potential, our bench is deep and I definitely think our defense is something that impacts teams in the NE10,” said Coles.
After the win over the Setters, New Haven has an overall record of 14-9 and 9-8 in NE10 conference play. On Wednesday, the Chargers will host their cross-town rivals, the Southern Connecticut University Owls. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Jeffrey P. Hazell Athletics Center. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
