Complete Box Score and Play by Play

ORANGE, Calif,. -- (From Doug Aiken, Chapman SID) The Chapman University women’s basketball team came back from an 11-point first half deficit in the Panthers’ 64-55 victory over visiting Whitworth College at the Hutton Center, giving Chapman (2-2) a win in its home opener.

Chapman shot 56 percent from the field in the second half and got some clutch shooting from Melissa Nakamura and Kristen Chidley to give the Panthers their second win in a row. This was a far cry from the Chapman team that shot just 30.4 percent, committed 15 turnovers in the first half.

The turnaround began with 2:52 remaining in the first half. Chapman ended the half on a 7-1 run to cut the Pirates’ lead to five points, 31-26. The Panthers finally caught Whitworth (2-1) three minutes into the half on a three-pointer from Nakamura which tied the game 34-34. One minute later, Chapman began a 21-5 run that helped build a 16-point lead and all but secured the victory.

Nakamura (10 points), Chidley (8 points) and Jennifer Pineda (9 points) were all held scoreless in the first half, but combined for 27 points in the second. Junior center Sarah Brands also had 10 points and a game-high six rebounds for the Panthers. Chapman out-rebounded Whitworth 39-28 in the game.

Whitworth’s Holly Ridings led all scorers with 17 points, including a pair of three-pointers. Danielle Wegman added 13 points and five rebounds for the Pirates, which suffered their first loss of the year.

The Pirates continue their Thanksgiving trip to California with a game on Sunday afternoon at Whittier College (1-1).