Widener Runs Away From Brandywine In Home Opener

MEDIA, Pa. -- It was a two-point game at halftime, but the third quarter was the difference as Widener outscored Penn State Brandywine 30-8 to run away with a 72-47 victory during the Lions' home opener on Wednesday night.

Brandywine led 9-6 early in the first quarter following a three-pointer from Madison D'Ambrosio (Springfield, Pa./Springfield) and continued to front run during the stanza until a triple by Emma Gardy knotted the score at 14-14 after 10 minutes.

The Pride rallied to build a 26-19 lead with 2:34 to go before halftime, but baskets from Nicolette Napoleon (Springfield, Pa./Penn Charter), Dana D'Ambrosio (Secane, Pa./Ridley) and Brandi Johnson (Media, Pa./Strath Haven) brought the Lions within two at the break.

Widener made five of its first six shots of the third quarter to grow the lead to double figures and shot 10-of-20 from the field, making four three-pointers, overall during the period as its advantage swelled to 24 points. The Pride pushed the margin to 30 points early in the fourth quarter.

Nikki Velez (Gloucester, N.J./Gloucester City) was the lone Lion to score in double figures, netting 11 points, while Brandi James (Glenolden, Pa./Interboro), Madison D'Ambrosio and Dana D'Ambrosio all contributed seven points. James hauled in a team-best nine rebounds.

Brandywine was limited to 31 percent shooting from the field and connected on just 8-of-15 free throw attempts. The Lions were also marred by 28 turnovers.

Brandywine (0-3) looks to get in the win column Monday when it travels to New Jersey to face the College of St. Elizabeth at 1:00 pm.