The New Haven women’s basketball team started their season on Saturday night with a convincing 78-71 win over the Georgian Court Lions. It was a back-and-forth affair, but the Chargers were able to come out on top with the help of timely baskets and stout defense.

New Haven’s offense got off to a strong start with baskets from forward Aurora Deshaies and guard Camryn DeBose to give them an early 9-5 lead.

Georgian Court brought themselves back into the game with scores from Tian Addison and Erika Aspajo to tie the game at 13. However, New Haven answered right back with baskets from forward Leighanna Lister, guard Marigona Bacaliu, DeBose and Deshaies to give them a six-point lead. The first quarter ended in a 21-21 tie after a pair of Georgian Court scores in the final minute.

The second quarter was a slow start for both teams offensively with just one basket each in the first two minutes. Debose went on a run through the second quarter, scoring eight consecutive points for the Chargers to give them a 33-27 lead with just under three minutes left in the first half. The Lions took advantage of turnovers committed by New Haven to finish the first half with a 38-35 lead.

New Haven came out of the break on the right foot, not allowing Georgian Court to score in the first four minutes of the third quarter. Deshaies, Debose and guard Kameryn King led the way to start the second half to give the Chargers a five-point lead.

Georgian Court once again responded with six consecutive points, capped off by a jumper from Leah Snisky to give them a 44-43 lead. New Haven quickly put a stop to their run, increasing their lead to eight. A pair of late baskets from the Lions cut the lead down to three, ending the third quarter with a 54-51 lead for New Haven.

Neither team was able to pull away at the start of the fourth quarter, exchanging baskets to bring the score to an even 57-57. New Haven was able to build up a 66-62 lead with free throws from Deshaies, DeBose and forward Briana Van Cleaf with four minutes remaining.

Georgian Court was unable to bring themselves back into the game, and a huge three-pointer from King to bring New Haven’s lead to seven. DeBose sank four free throws in the final minute, bringing her to a team-high 30 points for the game. The lead stayed at seven, and the buzzer sounded giving New Haven their first win of the season on opening night.

New Haven will stay at home for their next matchup on Wednesday against Adelphi University in their first conference game of the season. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. as the Chargers look to build on their strong start to the season. More information can be found at NewHavenChargers.com.