WILMINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Hampton women’s basketball team built a commanding early lead and withstood a late push to defeat UNC Wilmington 60-48 in a Colonial Athletic Association contest Friday night at Trask Coliseum.

The Pirates, improving to 9-11 overall, seized control with a dominant first quarter, outscoring the Seahawks 21-13. Hampton’s defensive pressure was immediate, forcing five UNC Wilmington turnovers in the opening period and converting them into eight points. Aisha Dabo, a 6-foot-2 forward from Queens, New York, set the tone early, scoring six of her team-high 16 points in the first quarter, including a jump shot off a turnover just over 50 seconds into the game.

Hampton extended its lead in a low-scoring second quarter, holding UNC Wilmington to just seven points. The Pirates took a 30-20 advantage into halftime, largely fueled by a 24-9 edge in points off turnovers. The Seahawks, who fell to 5-15, struggled with ball security throughout, committing 20 turnovers.

The third quarter saw both teams trade baskets, with Hampton maintaining a double-digit cushion. The Pirates led 41-31 heading into the final period. UNC Wilmington made its most concerted run in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to single digits on several occasions. A 3-pointer by Mary Ferrito of Plain City, Ohio, with just over two minutes remaining brought the Seahawks within 45-42, prompting a Hampton timeout.

The Pirates responded decisively. Out of the stoppage, Kiarra Mcelrath of Columbus, Ohio, sank a crucial 3-pointer to push the lead back to six. On the ensuing possession, Kayla Lezama of Boston secured an offensive rebound and converted a layup, stretching the lead to eight and effectively halting the Seahawks’ momentum. Hampton closed the game on a 15-6 run over the final two minutes to secure the victory.

Lezama provided crucial all-around play for Hampton, finishing with 14 points, four assists and three steals in 33 minutes. Mcelrath added 11 points. Olivia Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, directed the offense with four assists and played tenacious defense.

UNC Wilmington was led by Rori Cox of Brooklyn, New York, who scored 13 points and dished out three assists in 36 minutes. Ferrito contributed 10 points. The Seahawks shot just 32.7% from the field and were hampered by their turnovers, which Hampton consistently turned into points.

The most important part of the game was Hampton’s immediate and sustained defensive intensity, which created the early lead that UNC Wilmington spent the entire game trying to overcome. The Pirates’ ability to answer the Seahawks’ final push in the fourth quarter, specifically with the consecutive baskets by Mcelrath and Lezama after the timeout, sealed the road win.

Attendance at Trask Coliseum was 759. Hampton will host North Carolina A&T on Sunday. UNC Wilmington travels to face William & Mary on Sunday.