Dec. 21, 2012

Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, NY – The Ole Miss women’s basketball team saw Hofstra come back from a 15-point first half deficit as the Rebels fell on the road to the Pride 72-63 in the New York Life Holiday Invitational Friday night.

With the loss Ole Miss fell to 6-4 while Hofstra improved to 2-7.

Ole Miss led by 15 in the first half before Hofstra came back to within two at the half. In the second half, the teams traded baskets and neither team led by more than four until the Pride went up 46-52 with 9:43 to play. From that point, Hofstra did not replenish its lead and went on to post the win.

­­­­­­­­­­­Valencia McFarland recorded a season-high nine assists in the game for her 29^th career game with at least five assists. Marbra tied her career high with 12 points and added nine boards while Tia Faleru recorded nine points and nine rebounds.

For the game, Ole Miss shot 36.8 percent (25-68) from the floor while Hofstra shot 38.4 percent (28-73).

The Rebels used a 9-0 run, including a three from Maggie McFerrin, over a five minute span to go up 22-7 with 10:43 remaining in the first half.

Hofstra cut Ole Miss’ lead to four, 26-22, with 3:37 left in the first half and the Pride tied the game at 28-28 with 55 seconds left in the half.

A jumper from Marbra with six seconds left before the half gave Ole Miss a 30-28 lead at the break. Marbra led the Rebels with six points and five rebounds at the half. Tia Faleru added five points and five rebounds while Gracie Frizzell scored five points.

The Rebels shot 39.3 (11-28) percent from the floor in the first half while Hofstra shot 33.3 percent (13-39).

Hofstra took its first lead of the game since they lead 2-0 as they went up 34-32 with 16:39 left in the game.

Ole Miss will closeout play in the New York Life Holiday Invitational tomorrow with a 2 p.m. CT game against Northwestern.