AMHERST, N.Y. — Daemen (3-1, 0-0 ECC) defeated Chestnut Hill (1-3, 0-0 CACC), 77-54, at Lumsden Gymnasium on Sunday, thanks to Cecilia Lapertosa's (Whitesboro, N.Y.) second straight double-double and 22 points from Claire Pikett (Holland, N.Y.).

The Wildcats dominated the paint, scoring 48 points and securing 53 rebounds, effectively controlling the boards throughout the game.

IMPACT PLAYERS

• Lapertosa posted a double-double with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting (57.1%), also collecting 11 rebounds and recording four blocks.
• Pikett led the team with 22 points, hitting three of her five 3-point attempts and adding eight rebounds. She shot 9-of-16 (56.2%) in the game.
• Julia Fontanillo (Valladolid, Spain) facilitated the offense with five assists and collected seven rebounds.
• Ne'vaeh Buntley (Rochester, N.Y.) contributed defensively with two steals and added 10 points.
• Sophie Auer (Lewiston, N.Y.) shot 50% (4-for-8), adding nine points.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Daemen initiated the first quarter with strong defensive plays, highlighted by Lapertosa's early block and rebound, setting the tone for the home team. Auer contributed significantly in the paint, scoring multiple layups. Brianna Caliri (Staten Island, N.Y.) added to the offensive momentum with a layup as Daemen led 17–11 at the end of the first quarter.
• The Wildcats seized control in the second quarter with a pivotal stretch that included a three-pointer by Pikett at 7:19, assisted by Auer. Buntley's performance at the free-throw line, along with effective fast-break plays, played a crucial role in maintaining their advantage. The Wildcats took a 35-24 advantage into the locker room at halftime.
• In the third, Pikett contributed a crucial layup and a 3-pointer towards the end of the quarter, helping Daemen extend its lead significantly. The Wildcats' defensive efforts were also notable, as they recorded two blocks and five steals in the third, with Daemen pulling ahead 59-37 by the end of it.
• The Wildcats solidified their lead in the fourth, starting with Kyleigh Chapman's (Canandaigua, N.Y.) assist to Shyla Montgomery (Brockton, Mass.) for a 3-pointer at 9:08, extending their advantage to 64-37. Pikett contributed with a basket and a 3-pointer, and Daemen's defensive efforts limited Chestnut Hill's scoring opportunities to secure the final score of 77-54.

GAME NOTES

• Lapertosa posted a double-double for the second straight game and the 10th time in her career. She has scored in double-digits in all four of Daemen's games thus far. Her four blocks marked a season-high.
• Pikett's 22 points matched her career-high. 
• Fontanillo's five assists led the team.
• Daemen shot 43.5% from the field, including a 35.7% mark from deep.
• The Wildcats held the Griffins to 26% shooting (17-for-65) from the field.
• Daemen led for the entire game, growing its lead to as much as 27 at 73-46.
• The Wildcats recorded 11 offensive rebounds, logging 14 second-chance points.

UP NEXT
The Wildcats have a week off before hosting No. 20 nationally-ranked Holy Family at 12 p.m. next Sunday (Nov. 30).

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Daemen University features the premier NCAA Division II athletics program in the Buffalo-Niagara region, sponsoring 17 intercollegiate teams. For the latest information on Daemen Athletics, follow the Wildcats via social media on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, or sign up to receive customizable news alerts, e-mail newsletters and weekly schedule alerts.