Women's Basketball Southern Conference

UNC Wilmington Holds Off Davidson, 74-66

DAVIDSON, N.C. - Behind a 16-4 run to start the second half, the UNC Wilmington women's basketball team tied a school record by starting the season 6-0 thanks to a 74-66 victory over host Davidson Wednesday evening in Belk Arena. The Wildcat loss breaks a three-game winning streak and drops the home squad to 3-4.

With the score tied at 30-all coming out of the break, the Seahawks raced out to a 12-point advantage with 14:17 left in regulation. Six different UNCW players contributed to the offensive surge, including five by Jennifer Kapper, who finished with a game-high 18 points.

The Wildcats fought back, however, to get within one on three different occasions but were never able to grab the lead. Two free throws by junior Robyn Flewelling cut the deficit to 57-56 with 7:14 to go. UNCW responded with a basket by Rachel Wojdowski before junior Lindsay Shade hit a baseline jumper to bring Davidson to within one again at 59-58.

After senior Bethany Schott rolled in a layup to keep the 'Cats one down with 5:17 remaining, UNC Wilmington went on a 9-2 spurt over the next four minutes to seal the win.

In the first half, both teams staked leads as big as six with UNCW holding the largest advantage at 11-4 just five minutes in. A jumper by sophomore Emily Callahan gave Davidson its first lead, 21-20, with 7:20 left in the half. The Wildcats held the Seahawks scoreless for a five-minute stretch late in the period and were able to piece together a 30-24 edge. Momentum quickly turned though as UNC Wilmington went on a 6-0 run to end the half, keyed by four Kapper free throws.

UNC Wilmington controlled the glass throughout much of the game, outrebounding the Wildcats 44-31 for the contest, including 16-2 on the offensive boards.

Besides Kapper's 18 points, Cherie Lea added 14 for the visitors. Tracy Morgan chipped in with eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds.

Four players were in double digits for Davidson. Schott paced the 'Cats with 18 points and eight rebounds while Callahan notched 13 on 5-for-8 shooting.

The Seahawks last started a season 6-0 during the 1986-87 campaign.

Davidson now has a nine-day layoff to gear up for Robert Morris. The Wildcats travel to RMU to face the Colonials on Friday, Dec. 20, at 6 p.m. UNC Wilmington is next in action on Dec. 20 as well, facing Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m.