(box score)
Widener led for nearly the entire game and had no trouble in a 92-50 victory over Penn State Brandywine at Schwartz Center.
After falling behind for the only time in the game, 2-1 just 30 seconds in, Widener scored the next 10 points and went on a 24-4 run over the next six and a half minutes. Freshman Jennifer Egee (Ridley Park, PA) scored 12 points in that spurt.
Penn State Brandywine (3-4) countered with a 7-0 surge of its own to cut its deficit to 25-13 just short of the 10-minute mark, but would never get any closer. Widener once again reeled off the next 10, including four off the bench from junior Lindsay Pepino (Oceanside, NY). Widener saw its lead grow to as large as 27 on two occasions in the first half and took a 50-25 lead by halftime.
The hosts shot 40 percent (6-of-15) from beyond the arc in the period. They also forced 15 turnovers, committing only eight, outscored the Lady Lions 25-9 off turnovers and 23-0 in second chance points. Egee dropped 15 points in the half. Freshman Joanna Persiano (Ventnor, NJ) came off the bench to shoot 3-of-3 from beyond the arc and Pepino made all three of her field goals.
The second half proved to be much of the same story. Widener expanded its lead to 77-37 with 7:26 to play, following a 14-2 run highlighted by six apiece from Pepino and Persiano.
Widener shot a phenomenal 57 percent (16-of-28) from the floor in the second stanza and 47 percent (34-of-73) for the game, knocking down 8-of-19 from 3-point range.
The Pride (8-1) featured a very balanced attack as well, finishing with five in double figures, three of which were off the bench. Egee closed with a season-high 20 points, making 7-of-11 field goals, including 4-of-7 from long distance.
Persiano totaled 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting and Pepino went 6-of-7 and 2-for-2 from the line for 14 points. Sophomore Mary Lorenz (Mays Landing, NJ) chipped in 11 off the bench and senior Jesica Abraguin (Lancaster, CA) came off the bench to dish a career and game-high seven assists.
Widener is off to its best start since 1976-77, when the squad opened 11-0.
Cashae Hinton totaled 14 points off the bench for Penn State Brandywine and Shari Harper poured in 11. Amber Chandler recorded three blocks.
Widener on Saturday hosts Rutgers-Camden for a 1:00 pm start.
