LEE, N.H. (Interstat) — Eva DeChent scored 22 points and orchestrated the offense with seven assists as the New Hampshire Wildcats dominated the second half to defeat the Dartmouth Big Green 74-38 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday at Lundholm Gym.

A crowd of 481 saw the Wildcats, who led by just four points at halftime, erupt for 44 points after the break while holding Dartmouth to 15. The victory improved New Hampshire’s record to 5-7, while Dartmouth, which entered the game on a five-game winning streak, fell to 8-3.

The most important part of the game was a decisive 23-10 third quarter by New Hampshire that broke open a contest that had been competitive for 20 minutes. Leading 30-23 at halftime, the Wildcats opened the second half with increased defensive pressure and a more fluid offensive attack. DeChent was central to the surge, scoring eight points in the period and facilitating for others as the Wildcats stretched their lead to 20 points by the quarter’s end, effectively putting the game out of reach.

DeChent, a 5-foot-11 guard from Westchester, New York, filled the stat sheet, adding seven rebounds to her game-high point and assist totals in 35 minutes of action. She was supported by a balanced scoring effort. Maggie Cavanaugh contributed 10 points, while Alia Cordone and Camryn Fauria each added eight. Elizabeth Lavoie anchored the interior with 10 rebounds.

Dartmouth was led by Cate MacDonald’s 14 points. Olivia Austin, a 6-foot-1 forward from Western Springs, Illinois, pulled down a game-high 12 rebounds but was limited to five points. The Big Green struggled mightily from the field throughout the afternoon, particularly in a frigid final quarter where they managed only five points.

The first half was a defensive struggle. New Hampshire led 12-10 after a first quarter marked by missed shots and turnovers from both sides. The Wildcats began to find a slight rhythm in the second quarter, building their lead to seven points by halftime. Dartmouth stayed within striking distance thanks to a pair of three-pointers, but their offensive woes were a harbinger of the second-half collapse.

The Wildcats’ defensive effort was comprehensive, forcing 18 Dartmouth turnovers and blocking six shots. Fauria and reserve forward Averie Harding each recorded two blocks, with Harding adding six points and six rebounds in just six minutes off the bench.

The game was a reversal of recent form for both teams. Dartmouth had won its previous five games, including a 68-50 victory over Franklin Pierce on Tuesday. New Hampshire, meanwhile, was coming off a narrow 69-66 road win at Central Connecticut on Wednesday, a game in which DeChent scored 33 points.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, New Hampshire was projected with a 56.30 percent probability to win.

Dartmouth will look to rebound on the road at Vermont on Dec. 28. New Hampshire remains at home to face New Haven on the same date.