Purdue Fort Wayne
New Jersey Tech
After Slow Start IPFW Soars to Win, 58-43
2/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 20, 2007
Fort Wayne, IN - In a game that saw three 'Dons with their first start of the season and a score of 1-0 five minutes into the game, IPFW ran off to a nine point lead at half, 28-19. The Mastodons never looked back, defeating NJIT by fifteen, 58-43.
"I was pleased with the energy that our underclassmen gave to start the game." said Chris Paul. "Even though it took us five minutes to score, we had great looks and through that stretch we kept NJIT to three points."
A good free throw by NJIT was the only point for the first five minutes of the game. NJIT stretched the lead to three with two more freebies before the 'Dons hit two in a row to take the lead, 4-3.
Two minutes later the game was tied up at eight. The Mastodons would begin to dominate at that point, going on a 9-0 run. The Highlanders cut IPFW's lead to three at the 2:15 mark but a 6-0 run would finish the half, 28-19.
"Our energy and enthusiasm was good from the start. The upperclassmen came off the bench and really responded well. Ashley Johnson, Johnna Lewis-Carlisle and Hilary O'Connell played extremely well and their efforts and attitudes were good."
The Mastodons continued to dominate in the second half, hitting their first basket at the 17:13 mark to take an eleven point lead. IPFW would never give up a double-digit lead throughout the second half. With 3:30 left the 'Dons took a 19 point lead, 54-35.
A late 8-4 run by the Highlanders would end the game with IPFW on top, 58-43.
"We had good looks that weren't going in. I felt good that even with the shots not falling in, we were doing good at the other end. We were solid defensively tonight.
"With our 12th win we have now matched the total amount of wins we had over the past two seasons. That just adds to how the program is definitely going in the right direction."
Three 'Dons finished in double figures for the night. Tina Moen connected for 13 points and was 5 of 11 from the field.
Ashley Johnson had 12 points and Johnna Lewis-Carlisle had 10 points. She was perfect at the line, 4-4.
Samantha Edwards had seven boards while Moen had four steals.
The Highlanders were led by Colleen Vogel with 11 points. Katie Piekielski had eight boards.
The Mastodons (12-13) will now go on their final road trip of the season. They will play at Utah Valley State on Thursday night at 9 PM Eastern. The 'Dons will then head to Texas-Pan American on Saturday for a 3 PM Eastern tip-off.
Their final home games of the season are March 1st and 3rd. The 'Dons will host South Dakota State on the 1st at 7 PM in the Gates Center. IPFW will celebrate Senior Day hosting North Dakota State at 1 PM on Saturday the 3rd at the Gates Center.
~Dons~
