Women's Basketball Game Preview: Hofstra & Monmouth

NEWARK, Del. – CAA play is HERE! The reigning defending conference champions Delaware will play host to Hofstra on Friday, Dec. 30 to close out the 2022 calendar year and then welcome new CAA-foe Monmouth on Sunday, Jan. 1 to kick off the New Year inside Bob Carpenter Center. Opening tip against the Pride is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. against the Hawks on Sunday.

What You Need to Know:
About Delaware

Heading into Friday's matchup, Delaware will be looking to open conference play with a win for the third-straight season.
The last time Delaware saw action was on Dec. 21 when they hosted American. The Blue Hens extended their winning streak to two games after capturing the 66-50 win to close out non-conference play with a 7-4 record.
The statline vs. American: Kharis Idom and Jewel Smalls led the way for the Blue Hens with 16 points each, with Idom shooting 6-10 from the field and 4-5 from beyond the arc while Smalls made five of her 11 three-point attempts. Tara Cousins reached double digits in points for the second consecutive game and fifth time this season, as she shot 3-5 from the field with 10 points, five rebounds and a career-high eight assists. Cousins' eight assists were also the most by a Blue Hen since Paris McBride had eight against Salem (Wv.) on Nov. 25, 2020. Michelle Ojo scored seven points and pulled down 10 rebounds off the bench.
Games played through Dec. 28, Delaware as a unit ranks 29th in field goal percentage defense (35.0) and 36th in defensive rebounds per game (29.4) among the national leaders. Smalls ranks 21st in three pointers per game (2.91) and Makayla Pippin ranks 35th in rebounds per game (9.6).
Delaware leads the conference in field goal percentage defense, defensive rebounds per game and three point percentage (34.6). Pippin leads the way in rebounds (106) and rebounds per game while Smalls ranks second in three point attempts (78), three pointers (32) and three pointers per game (2.91).
According to the CAA preseason coaches' poll, Delaware was projected to finish sixth (92 votes). 2022 CAA tournament finalist Drexel was selected as the favorite to hoist the conference championship, garnering 142 votes (10 first-place votes), while Charleston (125 votes, one first-place vote) and new conference member Stony Brook rounds out the top three with 108 votes.

Against Hofstra

This will be the 81st time Delaware and Hofstra will be meeting, with the Blue Hens holding a 68-12 all-time record against the Pride, including a 36-1 one mark at home. Delaware is currently on a 14-game winning streak against the Pride.
The last time Delaware and Hofstra met was last season on Feb. 13, 2022 in Hempstead, N.Y. The Blue Hens completed the season series sweep after capturing the dominating 71-58 road win.
The last time Hofstra saw the hardwood was on Dec. 21, when the Pride captured the 64-60 home overtime win over New Orleans. In the win over Privateers, Brandy Thomas led three Hofstra players in double-figures with 19 points and added 13 rebounds. Alarice Gooden tallied a season-best 14 points, while Sorelle Ineza posted 13 points. The Pride will enter Friday's matchup on a two-game winning streak.

Against Monmouth

This will be the ninth time Delaware and Monmouth will be meeting in program history, with the Blue Hens holding a 7-1 all-time record against the Hawks, including a 3-0 mark in Newark. Delaware is currently on a seven-game winning streak against Monmouth.
The last time Delaware and Monmouth met were during the 2013-14 campaign, where the Blue Hens captured the 72-58 home victory on Nov. 19, 2013.
The last time Monmouth saw action was against BYU in Provo, Utah. The Hawks are currently on a three-game skid after dropping a 70-50 road decision to the Cougars.
The Hawks will play their first-ever CAA game as they play host to Northeastern on Friday, Dec. 31 before coming to Newark to face the Blue Hens on Jan. 1.

How to Follow
Friday vs. Hofstra: Live Stats | Live Video

| Live Audio | Tickets
Sunday vs. Monmouth: Live Stats | Live Video

| Live Audio | Tickets

Game Notes: Delaware | Hofstra | Monmouth

Gameday Atmosphere vs. Hofstra
Promotions: End of Year Blowout! | Celebrate the end of the year by helping us clean out our promo item inventory, receive one free promo item of your choice! Pick from assorted t-shirts, pub glasses, tote bags, mason jars, winter gloves, blue hen blankets, and plenty more promo items!
Tickets: First Responder Appreciation Night | Two complimentary tickets and discounted tickets for all first responders!

Gameday Atmosphere vs. Monmouth
Promotions: Happy New Year! | Ring in the new year with the Delaware Women's Basketball team! Celebrate the new year all game long with special pre-game and in-game programming.
Tickets: Donuts with Daughters | Purchase 2 tickets for $12 and receive free donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate before the game. This event will be held on the East Concourse

Up Next: Delaware will open its CAA road slate Friday, Jan. 6 for the most anticipated matchup of the season. The Blue Hens will travel to Philadelphia, Pa. to face CAA runner up Drexel in a title game rematch inside Daskalakis Athletic Center at 6 p.m.

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Players Mentioned

Tara Cousins

Kharis Idom

Paris McBride

Michelle Ojo

Makayla Pippin

Jewel Smalls

University of Delaware Athletics