The Chargers fell short of extending their win streak after losing to Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Penmen, 64-58, last week.
The Penmen took an early lead as they entered the second quarter with a five-point advantage. New Haven’s offense fought back as guard Charlotte Bassett secured a three-point shot that gave the Chargers the lead, 30-24, at halftime.
In the second half, both teams exchanged points until SNHU took the lead halfway during the fourth quarter and didn’t look back.
“Two improvements that the team needed to make to keep the lead would be turning the ball over less and not fouling as much down the stretch,” said guard Lindsay Hogan. “As a team, we turned the ball over 20 times and sent them to the free-throw line 24 times.”
Hogan led the Chargers with 19 points after shooting 7-for-18 from the field, and 5-for-12 behind the three-point arc. Hogan added eight rebounds and a steal. Bassett was right behind with 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. Center Paige Cote added eight points and finished shooting 3-for-8 from the field and 2-for-4 at the free throw line.
Behind New Haven’s leading scorers, five other Chargers scored against the Penmen’s persistent defense. Guards Schuylar Coles, Eveani Okwuosa and forward Merit Innocent each put up four points. Coles added three steals and a rebound. Okwuosa had five steals, four rebounds and three assists. Innocent shot 2-for-2 from the field and also had three rebounds and an assist. Guard Sabira Ahayeva had three points in addition to her six assists, two steals and a rebound. Guard Nayeli Dowding scored two points and had three rebounds, an assist and a steal.
The Chargers finished the game shooting 39.7% from the field against the Penmen’s 41.9%. From behind the three-point arc, the Chargers shot 7-for-26 while the Penmen finished 6-for-19. SNHU committed 11 personal fouls which led the Chargers to finish 5-for-9 at the free throw line. As a team, New Haven tallied 31 rebounds, 14 assists and 13 steals. The Chargers committed 22 fouls.
Hogan said every game is a learning experience and this loss will fuel the fire for the team’s final stretch of regular season play.
“Practices are always intense, however, with postseason coming up, the team is trying to get as close to perfect as possible everyday,” said Hogan. “Details are especially important, and the coach makes sure that we are not cutting any corners.”
After the loss to SNHU, the Chargers now have an overall record of 13-6 and 8-5 in NE10 conference play. On Wednesday, the Chargers will travel for their next conference game against the Saint Anselm University Hawks. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Stoutenburgh Gym. For more information, visit NewHavenChargers.com.