Purdue Fort Wayne
Utah Valley
Three 'Dons Finish in Double Figures in Loss to UVSC
2/22/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 22, 2007
Orem, UT - After a tumultuous trip to Utah, the 'Dons took on Utah Valley State for the second time this season. In the first meeting IPFW dominated, defeating the Wolverines at Gates. UVSC wasn't going down in their own arena Thursday night, and held off the 'Dons in the end, 74-71 in the McKay Center.
"With everything these kids went through in the last 24 hours I am very proud of them." said Chris Paul. "After getting here just five hours before game time, they battled hard and everyone fought for the road win but the last few shots wouldn't fall our way and we lost another close basketball game."
The Mastodons fought hard in the first half. With 9:05 left on the clock IPFW was down by 13 points, 23-10.
Just six minutes later the 'Dons had cut the lead to three after two good freebies by Tina Moen, 34-31. IPFW would close out the half down by four, 41-37.
UVSC would start the second half off with a 5-0 run to take a nine point lead with 18:31 left. IPFW would slowly chip away at the lead, cutting it to two points at the 12:01 mark.
The Wolverines would run back out to a five point lead three and a half minutes later but IPFW would not let them out of their sights. The 'Dons took their first lead of the second half with 6:01 on the clock, 60-59.
It would be a back-and-forth battle to the end with the Wolverines keeping their edge, 74-71.
"The effort was there. They were fighting and clawing for the win from the start. I know they will bounce back from this and we will try to get as much rest as possible as soon as we get to Texas. We'll get ready for UTPA on Saturday. But once again, I am very proud that we played hard and fought for the game."
Johnna Lewis-Carlisle led IPFW with 21 points and seven steals. Ashley Johnson finished with 13 points and four steals and Hannah Thieke added ten points.
Samantha Edwards had eight boards and Johnson had seven.
Julie McMurray led the Wolverines with 20 points. Robyn Fairbanks wasn't far behind with 18 points and Sandy Marvin added 12 points.
The Mastodons (12-14) will now head to Texas-Pan American for a 3 PM tip-off on Saturday.
~Dons~
