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 Cherita Smith had a team-high 18 points. |
Feb. 11, 2006
DETROIT - WSU didn't score for the final 2:25 and lost to Gannon University by the score of 82-69 in GLIAC women's basketball action Saturday afternoon at the Matthaei. GU (11-13, 6-8 GLIAC) earned the season split with Wayne State (8-14, 5-9 GLIAC) and took over sole possession of third place in the South Division.
The Lady Knights jumped out to an 11-2 lead in the first three minutes, but then Warrior freshman Chastidy Miller (White Lake, Mich.) scored to start a six-point run. Then back-to-back steals and layups by Cherita Smith (Grand Rapids, Mich.) and Kristen Rogers (Lansing, Mich.) got the Warriors within three points. WSU made it a one-point game as Brittany White (Chicago, Ill.) made another steal that led to Smith jumper with 11:31 before the half.
GU responded to go up by 12 with 6:10 to play before Smith knocked down a three right in front of the Gannon bench. Smith's second triple of the game came at the 4:22 mark to give her 14 first half points, but the Lady Knights held a 43-36 halftime lead.
The Warriors came within five points as White drove the lane and dished off to Rogers who drained a three early in the second half. Following two GU turnovers, Bethany Mesko (Traverse City, Mich.) sank a three to make it 44-42 with 17:19 left.
The Lady Knights missed on their end and WSU senior Casey Banks (Detroit, Mich.) hit a turnaround jumper that tied the game. Gannon scored just one point in the first 4:40 of the second half until back-to-back three-pointers put GU back on top.
Gannon went on a 10-0 run overall that was ended on a White steal and fast-break layup by Miller with 12:32 to play.
Wayne State climbed back within four, but GU went on a six-point run. That was countered with four points apiece by Ralphanee Peyton (Detroit, Mich.) and Smith that put the score at 64-62 with 6:31 left.
After five GU points, White and Peyton scored within two seconds of each other. Gannon hit a three, which Rogers came back with one for the Warriors with 2:25 remaining. That would be WSU's final points of the game as GU finished the game on an eight-point run.
Smith led Wayne State with 18 points, while Rogers scored 14. The two accounted for half of WSU's 16 steals.
Gannon, who shot 50.9 percent from the floor, made 22-of-27 free throws. The Warriors connected on just 5-of-13 at the line.
Wayne State travels to GLIAC North foe Ferris State on Feb. 16.
