Norfolk, Va. (Jan. 31) ? In a Colonial Athletic Association game, No. 13 (AP) Old Dominion defeated Georgia State, 76-44, Thursday evening at the Constant Convocation Center.
The Lady Monarchs won their 11th straight game and increased their streak to 30 straight CAA home wins with strong rebounding and nine three-point baskets (47 percent three-point shooting).
Georgia State (5-14, 2-6), who had won two of its three previous games before tonight, was paced by Danyiell McKeller with 14 points and Brittany Hollins with 10 more points.
Old Dominion (17-3, 8-0) had four players in double figures. T. J. Jordan led with 16 points, while Jazzmin Walters added four treys and 14 points.
“They obviously have more size, strength and experience and they play well on their home court,” Coach Lea Henry said. “We didn't value the ball enough tonight (20 turnovers) and were not patient enough with our offense. Our inexperience is still hurting us and we have to keep improving and finding the five best who want to step up for us. It, unfortunately, takes time.”
ODU grew a 16-point halftime lead to 22 with the first six points of the second half and the teams traded baskets for the next 16 minutes with the margin going down to 17 and up to 24. Still trapping on defense and shooting three's in the final three minutes, ODU closed with an 11-0 run to account for the final margin.
State started the game with the first basket and ODU scored five straight. When State's Traci Haltiwanger made a basket with 18:20 on the clock to close it to 5-4, the tide turned in the home teams' favor. Buoyed by steals and offensive rebounds, ODU went on a 10-0 to get a double-digit lead at 15-4 with just over five minutes played. Jessica Walters had a pair of three-point baskets and Tiffany Green had a pair inside to ignite that start. The Panthers went from 18:20 to 7:47 without another FG as it was all free throws. ODU led by 10 at 19-9 with 11 minutes on the board and by 11 at 25-14 with 7:10 to play when it went on a 6-0 burst to open a 31-14 advantage with four minutes left. The largest first half lead was 34-15 before State closed to 36-20 at the halftime break.
The Panthers return to Atlanta for a Sunday game with CAA rival Towson at 2 p.m. at the Sports Arena on campus.
