Women's Basketball Rallies for Conference Win Over RIT
Wes Allen
Issue date: 2/5/10 Section: Sports
The Utica College Women's Basketball Team started out very flat and uninspired Friday night (1/29) as they hosted the R.I.T Tigers at the Clark Athletic Center. The Pioneers dug themselves an early first half hole when they trailed by as many as 18 points to the visiting Tigers. However, UC was able to turn it around in the second half and coast to a 78-68 victory over RIT.
Other than the first basket made by UC junior forward Jessica Berry that put the Pioneers up 2-0 in the opening minute of the game, RIT led the entire first half. The Tigers appeared dominant at times, leading by as many as 18 points in the first half at 31-13. RIT sophomore guard Brianna O'Dell was able to get any shot she wanted on the court as she led the way for the Tigers; Utica seemed to be sleepwalking through the first half as they lacked intensity and shot a horrific 27 percent from the field. The Tigers headed into halftime with a seemingly commanding double-digit lead at 37-24.
This game was simply a tale of two halves as a switch seemed to turn on for the Pioneers and they steam-rolled RIT in every facet of the game in the second half. The defensive intensity increased for Utica as they jumped out of the gate going on a 28-10 run to start the half, capped by a jumper made by forward Berry.
The run culminated in the Pioneers ultimately receiving their first lead of the game at 52-47, the largest for them in the game at that point. RIT was not going to go without a fight however as they battled back and was able to cut the Pioneer lead back down to one at 59-58 with just over five minutes to go in the game. The Tigers actually were able to regain the lead for a moment with less than five minutes remaining on a key lay-up by forward Sharon Dennis to put them up 60-59.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, the Pioneers battled all the way back from a large first half deficit and would not be denied the victory. Two consecutive baskets by sophomore guard Katie McGee and forward Berry put UC back on top at 63-60; a lead that they would not relinquish. The Pioneers shot 60 percent from the field in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 54-31. Utica would end the game on a 19-8 run from the time RIT took their last lead and would go on to win comfortably, 78-68.
UC junior forward Berry led all scorers with 32 points and she also grabbed 10 rebounds. With the conference win, the Pioneers are now 7-1 in the conference and 14-3 overall.
***The Pioneers also took care of another conference foe the next day (1/30) as they beat Elmira College 61-45. UC is now 8-1 in conference play and 15-3 overall. Utica looks to continue their recent dominance as they take on conference rival Stevens this Friday at the Canavan Arena. Tip-off is set for 6p.m.
Other than the first basket made by UC junior forward Jessica Berry that put the Pioneers up 2-0 in the opening minute of the game, RIT led the entire first half. The Tigers appeared dominant at times, leading by as many as 18 points in the first half at 31-13. RIT sophomore guard Brianna O'Dell was able to get any shot she wanted on the court as she led the way for the Tigers; Utica seemed to be sleepwalking through the first half as they lacked intensity and shot a horrific 27 percent from the field. The Tigers headed into halftime with a seemingly commanding double-digit lead at 37-24.
This game was simply a tale of two halves as a switch seemed to turn on for the Pioneers and they steam-rolled RIT in every facet of the game in the second half. The defensive intensity increased for Utica as they jumped out of the gate going on a 28-10 run to start the half, capped by a jumper made by forward Berry.
The run culminated in the Pioneers ultimately receiving their first lead of the game at 52-47, the largest for them in the game at that point. RIT was not going to go without a fight however as they battled back and was able to cut the Pioneer lead back down to one at 59-58 with just over five minutes to go in the game. The Tigers actually were able to regain the lead for a moment with less than five minutes remaining on a key lay-up by forward Sharon Dennis to put them up 60-59.
Unfortunately for the Tigers, the Pioneers battled all the way back from a large first half deficit and would not be denied the victory. Two consecutive baskets by sophomore guard Katie McGee and forward Berry put UC back on top at 63-60; a lead that they would not relinquish. The Pioneers shot 60 percent from the field in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 54-31. Utica would end the game on a 19-8 run from the time RIT took their last lead and would go on to win comfortably, 78-68.
UC junior forward Berry led all scorers with 32 points and she also grabbed 10 rebounds. With the conference win, the Pioneers are now 7-1 in the conference and 14-3 overall.
***The Pioneers also took care of another conference foe the next day (1/30) as they beat Elmira College 61-45. UC is now 8-1 in conference play and 15-3 overall. Utica looks to continue their recent dominance as they take on conference rival Stevens this Friday at the Canavan Arena. Tip-off is set for 6p.m.
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