Seahawks Scorched By Dragons In Opener

Courtesy: UNCW Athletic Communications
Release: 12/04/2011

Junior Karneshia Garrett posted her second straight double-double with a career-high 21 points and 11 rebounds agianst Drexel

Courtesy: Chris Crouch

Junior Karneshia Garrett posted her second straight double-double with a career-high 21 points and 11 rebounds agianst Drexel

WILMINGTON, North Carolina - Drexel opened the contest on a 19-3 run and soared past UNCW, 58-43, in the Colonial Athletic Association opener for both women's basketball teams Sunday at Trask Coliseum.

The loss ended the Seahawks' two-game winning streak and dropped the team to 2-4 on the season, while the Dragons improved to 4-2 after winning their first game against UNCW in four tries.

Junior Karneshia Garrett posted her second-straight double-double with a career-high 21 points and 11 boards, but the rest of the Seahawks struggled offensively, shooting a season-low 29.1 percent (16-of-55) from the floor and 17.6 percent (3-of-17) from beyond the arc as a team. Junior Tawanna Lee was the only other UNCW player in double figures with 11.

Drexel senior Kamile Nicickaite led the way for the Dragons with 17 points. Junior Hollie Mershon added 16 points and nine rebounds, as Drexel shot 22-of-45 for 48.9 percent for the game.

The Seahawks were hard pressed to get anything going in the first half, shooting 5-of-25 in the stanza in front of the Dragon defense. UNCW was held to just three points until the 5:11 mark, when Lee hit a foul shot which sparked a 10-5 run to close out the frame with Drexel in front 24-13.

In the second half, the Seahawks came out with three quick points on a conventional three-point play at the 19:46 mark to cut the lead to eight.

UNCW would never claw closer, however, as Drexel would continue to build its advantage. A charity toss from senior Tyler Hale with 2:12 remaining gave the Dragons their largest lead at 19.

UNCW returns to non-conference action Wednesday when the Seahawks travel to the Queen City to take on Charlotte at 7 p.m. Drexel wraps up a six-game road swing Dec. 12 at Seton Hall.

GAME NOTES:

Drexel now holds a 10-8 advantage in the all-time series between the teams
The Dragons outrebounded the Seahawks 36-31, but UNCW grabbed nine offensive rebounds to Drexel's four
Behind junior Karneshia Garrett's performance inside, the Seahawks outscored the Dragons in the paint 24-14
UNCW's 11 assists was the lowest total dimes the Seahawks have registered this season
The Seahawks did record double-figure assists for the sixth time this season and the eighth straight game dating back to the end of last season
The loss was UNCW's first regular season defeat at home in over a year, with the last loss coming Dec. 2, 2010, in a 66-50 loss to Charlotte
UNCW was held below 50 points for the first time since a 48-33 victory over Northeastern on Feb. 20, 2010
The Seahawks were held below 30 percent from the field for the first time since shooting just 27.0 percent (17-of-63) in their loss to Delaware on March 12, 2011
UNCW recorded double-figure steals for the fifth time this season
The Seahawks shot below 60 percent at the free-throw line for the fourth time this season
The 31 rebounds for the Seahawks were a season low. It was also the fourth time this season that the Seahawks have been out-rebounded by their opponent.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES:

2 - Tawanna Lee

Reached double figures in points for the third time this season and the third straight contest.

4 - Alisha Andrews

Led team in assists for the fourth time this season and the 28th time in her career. Has led team in assists in four of the last five contests.

40 - Karneshia Garrett

Reached double figures in points for the second straight contest and third time this season.
Shattered previous career high for points of 11, set against Washington State.
Led team in scoring for the first time in her career.
Posted double-figure rebounds for the second straight contest and second time this season.
Led UNCW in rebounding for the fourth time this season.

42- Chelsea McGowen

Missed game due to injury suffered against Ohio on Nov. 30. She had started all five previous games for the Seahawks this season.

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