University of Toledo
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WESTERN MICHIGAN
Toledo Falls at Western Michigan in MAC Action, 87-60
2/19/2003 12:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 19, 2003
KALAMAZOO, MI - The University of Toledo women's basketball team was outscored 48-27 in the second half at Western Michigan Wednesday night and eventually fell to the Broncos, 87-60, before 863 fans in University Arena.
With tonight's setback, the Rockets fall to 17-7 overall, 10-3 in the Mid-American Conference, while the Broncos improve to 14-9 and 8-4. Despite the loss, UT is still in first place in the West Division, but they are again tied with Ball State, who defeated Bowling Green tonight.
"Western (Michigan) came out and played with a lot of intensity, passion and sense of purpose that we failed to match," Toledo Head Coach Mark Ehlen said. "I just think they played extremely well as the game went on, and we couldn't match their intensity."
The Rockets trailed 39-33 at the intermission, but in the second half Western Michigan got hot from the field while UT could not find the range. UT was limited to 26.8 percent shooting (11-of-41) from the field after the break, while the Broncos connected on 56 percent (14-of-25). WMU also took advantage of UT's early foul trouble converting 17-of-22 at the charity stripe to only 2-of-6 for the Midnight Blue and Gold.
WMU played a zone defense throughout, which gave the Rockets fits all game long.
"In a zone you have to make shots," Ehlen said. "We didn't have anybody shoot with any confidence. There are only so many things you can do against a zone, and we didn't do anything very well tonight."
The Broncos shot 49.2 percent (30-of-61) from the field for the game, compared to 38.1 percent (24-of-63) for the Rockets. WMU also held a 41-34 advantage on the boards and dished out 21 assists to UT's 13. Curleta Harris led four Broncos in double figures with a game-high 21. Harris was on fire shooting the ball knocking down 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. Lori Crisman tallied 18 points, nine rebounds, and five steals, while Kristin Koetsier and Casey Rost chipped in with 13 points apiece.
"I thought Curleta (Harris) certainly shook off her shooting slump, and that was a big key for them," Ehlen said. "Also getting Kristin (Koetsier) back and playing like she is capable of playing helped them greatly."
Sophomore Karin Hoogendam was the lone Rocket in double figures, as she finished with 13 points and eight boards.
The Rockets return to action on Saturday, Feb. 22 when they play host to Eastern Michigan in the second-half of a doubleheader at Savage Hall. Game time is slated for 7:00 p.m.
