Corin Adams scored a game-high 21 points and Britney Griffin added a double-double, tying a career-high with 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead host Morgan State to its fourth consecutive win, following a 62-53 non-conference victory over Saint Francis-Pa. on Friday evening at Hill Field House.
The Lady Bears (5-2), who were coming off a two-week layoff to concentrate on first semester finals, jumped to a quick 20-6 lead, capped off by two free throws by Theresa Davis, less than six minutes into the game.
However, Saint Francis-Pa. (3-7) would hold the hosts to just a free throw during the next three minutes and pulled within nine (21-12) with 11:02 remaining. Morgan State would hold its largest lead of the game (17 points) at 32-15 on a layup by Phylicia Jones with 6:06 remaining in the first half and held a 35-26 advantage at the break.
The Red Flash used a 17-11 run to start the second half and pulled as close as five points (48-43) after a three-pointer by Britney Hodges with 8:16 left in the game. That would be as close as the guests would get, as Adams responded with a three of her own, to trigger a mini 8-2 run by Morgan State to increase the lead to 11 points at the 5:03 mark.
Hodges led the Red Flash with 19 points while Shawna Scott added 13 for Saint Francis, which has dropped its last five.
Morgan State, which entered the contest leading the nation in steals with 15.7 per game, finished with 13 tonight. Adams led the way with a game-high five steals, while Davis finished with three. Brittany Dodson and Griffin each added two steals apiece. The Lady Bears outrebounded Saint Francis, 36-35, marking the fourth time they have outrebounded an opponent this season, all resulting in wins.
The Lady Bears return to action on Thursday, Dec. 27, when they take on host Virginia Commonwealth in the first round of the VCU Roundball Classic. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
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