BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The La Salle women's basketball team (2-3) defeated New Hampshire (3-2) 59-51 in the opening round of the Christmas City Classic on Saturday afternoon at Stabler Arena.
 
A strong second half was the difference for La Salle, who took the lead for good with 3:56 left in the 3^rd quarter after the game was tied five separate times up to that point. The Explorers outscored the Wildcats 24-16 over the final 13:56 after UNH tied the game at 35-35 on a pair of free throws midway through the 3rd.
 
Amy Griffin netted a game-high 22 points, going 9-for-17 from the field with three rebounds and three steals. Sofi Ngwafang and Shaquana Edwards each finished with nine points, including a combined 15 points in the second half to help La Salle pull away.
 
Edwards, Ashanti Freeland and Jeryn Reese each posted a season-high in rebounds as La Salle held a 44-36 advantage on the glass. Edwards and Freeland each pulled down eight rebounds while Reese grabbed seven. 

The Explorers were efficient from the field, shooting 43.8% (21-for-48) from the floor and hitting three of six attempts from beyond the arc.
 
The Explorers will play Lehigh in the Christmas City Classic Championship on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.