MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. – St. Thomas University's Women's Basketball team (1-0) opened up the season with a convincing 81-64 win over the University of the Virgin Islands (2-1) on Tuesday night from the Fernandez Family Center.

STU built their first quarter lead through free throws, attacking the rim and capitalizing on the over-aggressive defense of the lady Buccaneers as the team recorded six-consecutive points, from Dynasty Carter (2) and Jaddah Knight (4) early on. St. Thomas finished the first quarter with a 21-9 lead over the Virgin Islands, with ten points coming off of UVI turnovers.

UVI started the second quarter with a quick three-pointer to cut the Bobcats lead to nine at 21-12. St. Thomas rallied for an 8-3 run to double-up UVI at 30-15 midway through the second quarter, following a Destiny Wilson three-pointer. STU built their largest lead of the first half, 21-points, following a Knight layup to put the score at 40-19.

After the first half, St. Thomas led the University of the Virgin Islands, 40-20. Knight led the way record 16 points and added three rebounds. Eight of her points came off free throw attempts, as Knight remained aggressive in the paint. Carter led the team with six rebounds after a half of play.

Following the break, St. Thomas ran off a 7-0 run to open the second half, as Wilson continued to add to her night, recording two-free throws after grabbing an offensive rebound. STU built a sizeable 23-point lead as the third quarter was drawing to a close, however, UVI finished in a flurry, going on their own 7-0 run.

The game intensified in the fourth quarter, as UVI maintained their momentum to finish the third quarter. UVI battled all the way back, cutting the Bobcat lead to just five-points, as the Buccaneers went 6/7 from the field to open the final frame. STU responded to once again extend their lead, going on a 9-0 run, as Wilson led the charge, scoring four consecutive points to put the game out of reach at 71-57.

St. Thomas finished the game on one last 10-4 run building the lead off of free throws to seal the first win of the season. In the process, Ebony Griffin recorded the first double-double of the season, scoring 15-points and grabbing 12-rebounds. Knight led the way, recording a game-high 21-points and just missed a double-double of her own, finishing with eight rebounds, while going a perfect 9-9 from the charity stripe.

Bobcat Leaders
Jaddah Knight: 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, 9-9 FT. (Player of the Game)
Ebony Griffin: 15 points, 12 rebounds (1^st double-double of season)
Destiny Wilson: 15 points, seven rebounds

The Bobcats Women's Basketball team will be back in action from the Fernandez Family Center on November 8^th, taking on Florida National University with the game set to tip-off at 7 p.m.