PSU women lose hard battle to UT-Arlington
Curtis Thom
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Sports
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Coming off a closely contested battle with the Missouri Tigers, the upset-minded Gorillas looked to pull out an upset against the Texas-Arlington Mavericks deep in the heart of Texas.
Behind 10 early points from junior guard DePrice Taylor, the Gorillas held the opponent in check 26-22 before the Mavericks sparked a 10-3 run to end the first half at 36-25.
Junior Brianna Buchanan started the half sinking nine points to bring the Gorillas within six, but the Mavericks' junior forward Candice Champion had a different idea.
Champion led the way for the Mavericks by posting 12 second-half points, to sail her team to the victory 69-56.
Despite the loss, Gorillas head coach Lane Lord said his team performed well, considering the talent they were opposing.
"We played real well, and we did a lot of good things on both ends of the ball, but UT-Arlington is a great team, and might be the best of the teams that we've played so far," said Lord.
Taylor and Buchanan combined for 25 points to lead the Gorillas, but according to Lord, it's always difficult to compete against larger schools.
"It's tough to line up against a team that brings four players over 6-1 into the post, and they got some of our post players into foul trouble, limiting us inside," he said. "DePrice and Brianna did some good things, but it's always a tough order to play a team like them."
The Mavericks were led by Champion, who poured in 18 points on the night, and freshman Shayln Martin, who finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds.
In addition to the solid play from the starters, the Gorillas also found 33 points from their bench, something that pleased Lord.
"Our underclassmen have stepped up very well for us. (Freshman) Bailey Waugh made some crucial shots for us, and Larissa got into foul trouble but played well," Lord said. "We've got a deep bench and a lot of players that can log some good time for us to provide some extra boost."
Waugh finished with six points, and senior Liz Witte drained down eight points off the bench.
Looking forward to their first home game on Friday, Lord said there was a pivotal piece of their game to improve before then.
"We've got to rebound the ball better, plain and simple," said Lord. "When you come out and allow a team 16 extra chances on offense, you're already put at a disadvantage. Our post players were out early, but we just need to clean up our play around the glass."
The team plays at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, against Central Oklahoma University in the opening round of the Chatters Round Ball Classic at PSU's John Lance Arena.
Behind 10 early points from junior guard DePrice Taylor, the Gorillas held the opponent in check 26-22 before the Mavericks sparked a 10-3 run to end the first half at 36-25.
Junior Brianna Buchanan started the half sinking nine points to bring the Gorillas within six, but the Mavericks' junior forward Candice Champion had a different idea.
Champion led the way for the Mavericks by posting 12 second-half points, to sail her team to the victory 69-56.
Despite the loss, Gorillas head coach Lane Lord said his team performed well, considering the talent they were opposing.
"We played real well, and we did a lot of good things on both ends of the ball, but UT-Arlington is a great team, and might be the best of the teams that we've played so far," said Lord.
Taylor and Buchanan combined for 25 points to lead the Gorillas, but according to Lord, it's always difficult to compete against larger schools.
"It's tough to line up against a team that brings four players over 6-1 into the post, and they got some of our post players into foul trouble, limiting us inside," he said. "DePrice and Brianna did some good things, but it's always a tough order to play a team like them."
The Mavericks were led by Champion, who poured in 18 points on the night, and freshman Shayln Martin, who finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds.
In addition to the solid play from the starters, the Gorillas also found 33 points from their bench, something that pleased Lord.
"Our underclassmen have stepped up very well for us. (Freshman) Bailey Waugh made some crucial shots for us, and Larissa got into foul trouble but played well," Lord said. "We've got a deep bench and a lot of players that can log some good time for us to provide some extra boost."
Waugh finished with six points, and senior Liz Witte drained down eight points off the bench.
Looking forward to their first home game on Friday, Lord said there was a pivotal piece of their game to improve before then.
"We've got to rebound the ball better, plain and simple," said Lord. "When you come out and allow a team 16 extra chances on offense, you're already put at a disadvantage. Our post players were out early, but we just need to clean up our play around the glass."
The team plays at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, against Central Oklahoma University in the opening round of the Chatters Round Ball Classic at PSU's John Lance Arena.
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