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Daemen University Athletics

Western New York's Premier Division II Team
Fearless, Integrity, Effort, Respect, Commitment, Excitement
Sophie Auer dribbles
Geoff Schneider
65
Winner Daemen Daemen 8-1,4-0 ECC
55
St. Thomas Aquinas STA 2-8,1-3 ECC
Winner
Daemen Daemen
8-1,4-0 ECC
65
Final
55
St. Thomas Aquinas STA
2-8,1-3 ECC
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Daemen Daemen 21 7 18 19 65
St. Thomas Aquinas STA 13 13 10 19 55

Game Recap: Women's Basketball | | CONTACT: Connor Griffin, Assistant Director of Athletics Communications | cgriffin@daemen.edu

Daemen Remains Undefeated in ECC With Win Over STAC

SPARKILL, N.Y. — Daemen (8-1, 4-0 ECC) defeated St. Thomas Aquinas (2-8, 1-3 ECC), 65-55, at Aquinas Hall on Sunday to remain unbeaten in ECC play. 

The Wildcats' defense recorded 13 steals, contributing to 25 opponent turnovers. A strong opening quarter saw Daemen score 21 points, establishing an early lead that they maintained throughout the game. Despite a late 19-point fourth quarter from the Spartans, Daemen's 30 points in the paint proved decisive.

IMPACT PLAYERS
  • Ne'vaeh Buntley (Rochester, N.Y.) scored 16 points and collected nine rebounds, contributing significantly to the team's efforts. 
  • Sophie Auer (Lewsiton, N.Y.) led the scoring with 17 points, on 8-of-11 (72.7%) shooting. 
  • Cecilia Lapertosa (Whitesboro, N.Y.) added 10 points and stood out defensively with four steals and two blocks. 
  • Claire Pikett (Holland, N.Y.) contributed 13 points while also recording nine rebounds and two blocks.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
  • The Wildcats opened strong with a balanced attack, highlighted by Pikett's critical 3-pointer at 5:45, which extended their lead to 13–4. The team's defensive tenacity was evident, forcing ten turnovers and collecting six steals, which allowed for opportunities to capitalize on the Spartans' miscues. Auer contributed significantly, adding a 3-pointer at 6:18, pushing the lead further. The quarter concluded with the Wildcats leading 21–13.
  • Daemen mounted a pivotal moment late in the second quarter with Buntley's 3-pointer at 1:16, assisted by Julia Fontanillo (Valladolid, Spain), edging them ahead 28–25. Earlier, the quarter was marked by turnovers and defensive plays, including Auer's early steal at 9:23, countering the Spartans' strong start. The quarter concluded with the Wildcats leading 28–26.
  • Daemen gained momentum in the third quarter with a decisive 14–4 run that began with Joline Raposo's (Tampa, Fla.) two free throws at 8:46. Pikett contributed significantly, scoring a layup at 1:53 with an assist from Buntley, pushing the Wildcats' lead to 42–36. Auer capped the quarter with a layup at 0:40, assisted by Buntley, extending the lead to 46–36. Daemen outscored STAC 18–10 in the quarter.
  • The Wildcats maintained their lead in the final quarter with a balanced offensive effort, highlighted by Raposo's 3-pointer at 9:35, which countered the Spartans' early score. Pikett's assist facilitated Auer's layup at 6:31, further extending the lead. Buntley contributed crucial points, hitting a 3-pointer with 3:36 left on the clock.
GAME NOTES
  • Four of Daemen's five starters scored in double digits.
  • The Wildcats forced 25 STAC turnovers, scoring 17 points off them.
  • Daemen shot 41.8% from the field, including a 33.3% mark from deep.
  • Lapertosa's four steals marked a season-high.
  • Buntley and Pikett's nine rebounds were also a season-high.
UP NEXT
Daemen heads to Las Vegas, Nev., next weekend for the Holiday Hoops Classic at Southpoint Arena. The Wildcats take on Texas A&M Kingsville on Saturday at 9 a.m. PST, then battle Montana State Billings at 11:15 a.m. PST on Sunday. Both games will be streamed on FloCollege.
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.

Follow the Daemen women's basketball program on Twitter and Instagram at @DaemenWBB

 
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