PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The Caldwell College women's basketball team was handed its fifth consecutive loss, a 74-61 defeat at Philadelphia University, in a Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference game Saturday afternoon at Philadelphia's Athletic and Recreation Center. The Cougars are now 9-16 overall and 7-13 in the conference, while the Rams improve to 18-7 on the season, including a 16-5 mark in the CACC.

A 12-3 run in the first half helped the Rams take a commanding 30-15 lead with just under five minutes left in the half. Eight points by senior guard Shannon Coyle (Matawan, NJ/St. John Vianney), including two three-pointers, allowed Caldwell to cut the deficit to 36-25 at the break. The Cougars shot just 29.7 percent (11-of-37) from the field while not attempting a free throw in the half.

Caldwell opened the second half with a 12-6 run that brought the Cougars to within 42-37 at the 13:50 mark. But the Rams answered by out-scoring Caldwell 19-8 over the next seven minutes to build a 61-45 advantage with 6:44 to play. Six points from senior center Amy Gaudious (Long Branch, NJ/Long Branch) and four from junior forward Melissa Freeman (Cresskill, NJ/Cresskill) reduced the lead to 63-55 with 4:21 on the clock. The Cougars were still within eight points with 2:50 remaining but could get no closer, as Philadelphia wrapped up its sixth straight win and avenged a loss to Caldwell back on Jan. 11. The Rams enjoyed a 21-5 advantage in free throws attempted in the game.

Gaudious made 8-of-13 from the field en route to a career-best 16 points to lead Caldwell. She also set a person best with 10 boards. Freeman finished with 15 points, Coyle had 11, all in the first half, and junior guard Phylicia Holmes (Roselle, NJ/Roselle) snared a game-high 16 boards to match her career high. Ashley Webster paced the Rams with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Meg Abele pitched in 17 points and three steals.

The Cougars host Nyack College on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in a make-up game that was previously scheduled for Feb. 13. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. in the George R. Newman Center.