Jan. 6, 2007

Box Score

BROOKLYN, NY - Four players scored in double figures for Long Island in its 60-51 win over visiting New Jersey Institute of Technology in women's college basketball Saturday afternoon.

The Blackbirds took control of the contest early, outscoring NJIT in the first half, 30-14. Long Island made 50 percent of its first half shots (13-26) and scored 14 points off NJIT 11 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes.

In the second half, NJIT's defense was stronger, as it held Long Island to 41 percent, shooting (11-27) and the Highlanders took care of the ball better committing just four turnovers.

Long Island got a game-high 12 points in 30 minutes from freshman Valerie Nainima and junior guard Mikaelar Whippy. Following closely behind was senior Brittani Kozik and Marquita Thompson who scored 10 points respectively. Thompson, a senior forward, played just 21 minutes as a reserve, but collected a team-leading 5 rebounds.

NJIT was led by sophomore guard Jill Dickinson who posted 11 points. Dickinson also had a team-high two assists. Freshman Katie Piekielski scored nine points for the Highlanders. Senior co-captain Kelly Crowe tallied eight points and pulled down a team-high five rebounds.

The Blackbirds jumped out of the starting blocks early in the first half scoring the first seven points of the game. Long Island took a 23-4 advantage over the next nine minutes, closing out the half 30-14.

The Highlanders cut the deficit to 48-42 with 7:13 left as Dickinson sunk two free throws to key NJIT's 6-0 rally.

The Highlanders return to action on Thursday, January 11, when they travel to Texas A&M Kingsville for a 7pm start and then turn around and play Texas-Pan American on January 13 at 2pm.