FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 5, 2001

HAWKS FALL IN LAST SEVEN SECONDS AT QUINNIPIAC

Hamden, Conn. - Sara Esidore knocked down a short jumper with seven seconds remaining to lift the Quinnipiac women's basketball team to a 78-77 win over Monmouth on Wednesday night at Burt Kahn Court.  Monmouth led by as many as 11, as late as with 7:29 remaining. Monmouth's lead was seven at 74-67 with 3:39 left before the Braves went on a 10-3 spurt to close the game.

The Braves surged back with a late run and took their first and only lead of the second half on Esidore's shot.  The Hawks' Courtney Lumpkin was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play following Esidore's shot.  Lumpkin connected on the first free throw, but missed the second, allowing Quinnipiac to escape with the win.

Monmouth led at the half, after a 28-11 run to close the period to take a 40-33 lead into the intermission.

The Hawks were led by LaToya Thompson, who scored a career-high 21 points.  The senior also added three rebounds, five assists and four steals to her ledger.  Michelle Cappadona collected her third double-double of the season as she posted 15 points and 11 assists.  Cappadona, the NEC’s leader in steals, also added five steals and five rebound on the night.  Highly effective in the post, Jewonda Bright tallied 20 points for the Hawks, but was unable to play most of the second half due to a sprained ankle.

 Monmouth returns to action on Sunday, December 9 when they host the defending Sun Belt Conference Champions, the University of Denver in a 2:00 p.m. contest.