BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The University of New Haven women's basketball team opened up the Deborah Buff era with an impressive performance on both sides of the ball in a 64-31 victory over the host Purple Knights on the opening day of the Bridgeport Conference Crossover Classic. Leading the Chargers, in her collegiate debut was freshman Camryn DeBose (Wellington, Fla./Wellington Community) who closed out the game with 19 points and eight rebounds.

"I was very pleased with our total team effort today," said Buff. "Camryn had a great first game while our ability to share the ball was very productive. Defensively, we were relentless for the entire 40 minutes. Everyone contributed with great energy in holding Bridgeport to 19 percent shooting and forcing 27 turnovers."

DeBose was one of two players in double figures, joined by junior Micah Wormack (Cumberland, Md./Allegany) who finished with 17 points. The pair both finished the game shooting 7-of-11 from the field as New Haven closed out the game shooting 40 percent as a team, connecting on 24-of-60 field goal attempts, including four three pointers. Defensively, the Chargers held Bridgeport to just 11 field goals in the game.

In addition to her 19 points and eight rebounds, DeBose also finished with four steals and two assists. Her four steals were part of 13 total as the Chargers forced Bridgeport into 27 turnovers, turning those miscues into 19 points. The Chargers also led the way in second chance points, 10-3, while holding a 40-16 advantage in the paint.

Joining DeBose and Wormack in leading the Blue and Gold was senior Alexandria Kerr (Montclair, N.J./Montclair) who finished one point shy of a double double with nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Kerr's 10 rebounds led the Chargers as New Haven led the battle of the boards with a 48-42 margin. Among the 48 rebounds were 14 offensive boards, which led to the 10 second chance points. Kerr and senior Allieyah Cubbage (North Plainfield, N.J./Roselle Catholic) each added three steals, while Cubbage added five points and four rebounds to her credit.

New Haven will conclude its season-opening appearance at the UB Conference Crossover Classic with a noon tip-off against a second-straight Nutmeg State rival Post on Sunday.