LEIPSIC, Del. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and offensive struggles, the Long Island Sharks pulled away in the third quarter to secure a 70-56 victory over the Delaware State Hornets in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Memorial Hall.

Despite a sloppy performance that included 20 turnovers, the Sharks used a dominant 29-point third quarter to break open a tight contest and improve their record to 3-1. The Hornets, plagued by poor shooting throughout, fell to 2-3 on the young season.

The first half was a low-scoring, back-and-forth affair. Long Island held a narrow 16-14 lead after one quarter and took a 31-28 advantage into halftime. Both teams struggled to find any offensive rhythm, combining for 37 first-half turnovers in a game that was often disjointed.

The complexion of the game changed dramatically after halftime. The Sharks exploded for 29 points in the third period, nearly matching their entire first-half output. The run was fueled by improved ball movement and a series of trips to the free-throw line, where Long Island excelled all night.

Long Island’s offense was inefficient from the field, shooting just 36 percent on 16-of-44 shooting. However, they lived at the charity stripe, attempting 39 free throws and making 32. Delaware State, by contrast, shot 22-of-61 from the floor, a 36 percent clip, and attempted only 13 free throws, making nine.

The Sharks’ offensive rating of 95.2 points per 100 possessions, while not stellar, was significantly more effective than the Hornets’ mark of 71.6. Delaware State also won the battle in the paint, outscoring Long Island 36-20, but their inability to connect from beyond the arc, where they shot 3-of-15, and their 17 turnovers proved costly.

Kadidia Toure was the standout performer for Long Island. The 6-foot-3 sophomore from Silver Spring, Md., recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds in just 23 minutes of action. She also added three assists and two blocks, anchoring the Sharks’ interior presence on both ends of the floor.

She was supported by Hannah Humphrey, who scored 15 points, and Janessa Williams, who nearly notched a double-double with 10 points and eight rebounds. Isabella Tanedo added nine points for the Sharks.

Delaware State’s offense was led by a balanced scoring effort. Amya Scott came off the bench to score 12 points, while Aniyah Jones and Mahogany Cottingham each added 10. Cottingham also dished out three assists. Ericka Huggins provided a strong rebounding presence off the bench, pulling down six boards.

The Hornets did force 20 Long Island turnovers, converting them into 21 points, and recorded 12 steals as a team. However, they could not capitalize consistently on the offensive end, scoring just 16 points off their own 17 giveaways.

Attendance at Memorial Hall was announced at 257.

The win gives Long Island momentum heading into a home game against American on Thursday, Nov. 20. Delaware State looks to rebound on the road against Fairleigh Dickinson on Wednesday, Nov. 19.