University of Toledo
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WESTERN MICHIGAN
Women's Basketball: Toledo Triumphs at Western Michigan, 89-78
2/9/2002 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
KALAMAZOO, MI - Junior Tia Davis and senior Melantha Herron had career days Saturday afternoon at University Arena as the Toledo women's basketball defeated Western Michigan, 89-78, in Mid-American Conference action. With the win, the Rockets (14-8, 9-2 MAC) move into sole possession of second place in the West Division and remain one game behind front-runner Ball State.
"This is a big win for us," Toledo Head Coach Mark Ehlen said. "Anytime you can win on the road against a team like Western Michigan, it is a great win."
Davis scored a career best 28 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field against the Broncos, while also grabbing six boards, dishing out six assists with no turnovers and collecting two steals in 39 minutes of action.
"Tia has really stepped it up for us these last couple of weeks," Ehlen said. "It was not just today, but the last four games she has been our best all-around player."
Herron, who was on the low post battling All-MAC performers Kristin Koetsier and Karen Deurloo, stepped it up with a collegiate best 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting, to go along with six caroms, four assists, three steals and two blocks in 36 minutes of work.
"This was definitely one of Melantha's best all-around games in quite a while," Ehlen. "She was challenged by two talented post players in Koetsier and Deurloo, and she rose to the challenge in a big way."
Senior Courtney Risinger was the lone other Rocket in double figures as she finished with 16 points. UT also received a good game from sophomore reserve Mary Blessing, who was put into the contest early when starting point guard Shekinah Brazzle stumbled into quick foul trouble. The Indianapolis, IN native responded with seven points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in 24 minutes of work while running the offense.
Things did not look good early for UT, as WMU scored 14 of the game's first 18 points. After a timeout, though, Toledo would recover and outscore Western Michigan, 38-21, over the remainder of the half to take a four-point lead in the intermission, 42-35. The Rockets connected on 56.7 (17-of-30) percent of their shots in the opening 20 minutes, while the Broncos shot an equally impressive 51.9 percent (14-of-27).
The Rockets grabbed their first lead at 25-24 on a three-pointer by Blessing at the 7:31 mark of the first half. On the ensuing play, WMU knotted the score at 25-25, but would not lead again all afternoon. Toledo would lead by as many as 15 points, 77-62, after the intermission. The Broncos got as close as three points (54-51) at the 14:23 mark and drew within five (83-78) with just 50 seconds to play. UT sank six free throws down the stretch to seal the decision. Toledo did not cool off much in the second half from the field, making 53.6 (15-of-28) percent of its field goal tries.The Rockets also finished the game shooting 84.0 percent (21-of-25) from the charity stripe, including 16-of-20 in the second half.
"I thought we executed on offense as well as we have in a long time today," Ehlen said. "We were patient and we made the extra pass. Western Michigan is a very good offensive team and tough to stop, but we were fortunate enough to make enough stops in the second half and hold them off. We also made our free throws and that was big for us."
All five Bronco starters scored at least 10 points, led by Deurloo and Koetsier, who both tallied 17 apiece. Koetsier collected a game-high 10 boards for her fourth double-double effort of the season. Maria Jilian contributed 13 points and five assists. Emily Samuelson finished with 16 points while Casey Rost scored 11.
Today's win avenges an earlier season, 64-55, loss to the Broncos on Jan. 2 in the conference opener for both squad's in Savage Hall. The two teams split the regular-season series, with the visiting team winning each time.
Toledo will return to home on Thursday, Feb. 14, as the Rockets will battle Northern Illinois. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m in Savage Hall. All Toledo women's games can be heard on 88.3 FM or on the internet at www.utrockets.com.
