KATY, Texas – Big runs to end the first half and open the fourth quarter pushed Stetson to a 70-37 win over the ULM women's basketball team Friday afternoon at the Merrell Center in the first day of the Van Chancellor Classic.
 
Stetson scored the first six points of the game and never relinquished the lead. ULM closed within a point at 8-7 on free throws by second-year freshman Tasionna McDowell with 3:51 to go in the opening quarter. However, Stetson scored the next 10 points, including 3-pointers from Yazz Wazeerud-Din and Mali Morgan-Elliott, and stretched the lead out to 18-7. The Hatters led 18-9 after a quarter.
 
The second quarter was dominated by Stetson. Elliott hit another trey before second-year freshman Kyren Whittington picked up back-to-back buckets. True freshman Katlyn Manuel's layup brought ULM within eight at 23-15 with 6:46 left in the half. The Hatters then closed the half with a 15-0 run to take a 38-15 lead at the break.
 
The Warhawks won the third quarter, 17-15, but were never closer than 19 points after free throws by fifth-year senior Kierra Crockett with 8:22 to go in the quarter, making it 38-19. Stetson pushed the lead to as much as 26 in the quarter before leading 53-32 after three.
 
Stetson pulled away in the fourth quarter and cruised to the 70-37 win.
 
Whittington led ULM with 16 points and four steals. True freshman Vici Woods came off the bench to pick up eight points. Ayanna Dublin led five Hatters in double figures with 15 points.
 
The Warhawks continue the Van Chancellor Classic at 6:30 p.m. Saturday vs. New Mexico.