ROCK HILL, S.C. – A frantic fourth quarter rally fell short on Saturday as Hampton dropped a 72-66 Big South Conference decision to Winthrop.

The hosts held a 52-38 lead with just under nine minutes left, but Hampton went on a 17-4 run to trail 56-55 on a layup by Charlisa Jenkins with 3:52 left.  Hampton cut the lead to one two more times, the last being on an Ashley Bates jumper with 1:37 left, but couldn't get over the hump.
 
Winthrop opened the game holding the Lady Pirates to 2-for-16 from the field in the first ten minutes racing out to a 14-5 lead.  They continued a hot shooting from the floor hitting over 58% in the second quarter to push the lead to 34-23 at half.  For the game, the Eagles hit 56.3% from the floor (27-of-48), while holding Hampton to 35.9% (23-of-64).
 
Laren VanArsdale had 20 points, while Bates had 19 and a season high seven steals for Hampton who returns home on New Year's Eve hosting UNC Asheville at noon.
 
For more information on Hampton University women's basketball, please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.