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 Monique George had a career-high 13 points and nine rebounds. |
Nov. 22, 2005
DETROIT - Fourteen different Warriors scored as the Wayne State women's basketball team (2-2) even its record with a 91-47 non-conference win over Concordia University (2-6) in WSU's home opener on head coach Gloria Bradley's birthday Tuesday night at the Matthaei.
Junior Cherita Smith (Grand Rapids, Mich.), who is coming off a career-high 21 points at Wheeling Jesuit, started the scoring with a baseline jumper. Smith scored three more field goals in the first 4:13 minutes as WSU led 10-3.
The Warriors increased their lead to eight points at the 9:13 mark as freshman Chastidy Miller (White Lake, Mich.) knocked down a shot. Then senior Shatona Clark (Detroit, Mich.) hit a three-pointer on a Joy Nash (Muskegon, Mich.) assist to make it 27-16 with 6:24 left before the half.
Back-to-back buckets under the basket by Casey Banks (Detroit, Mich.) gave WSU a 35-22 advantage. Then Nicole Rogers (Lansing, Mich.) hit an open three for a 16-point lead and forced Concordia to take a timeout with 1:13 left in the half. Out of the huddle, Rogers got a steal at mid-court and drove the floor for a fast-break layup. Consistent defensive pressure by the young Wayne State guard forced 18 first half turnovers.
On the final play of the half, Nash found Jenna Cooper (Detroit, Mich.) open for a three-pointer at the buzzer that gave WSU a 43-22 halftime lead.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Ralphanee Peyton (Detroit, Mich.) connected on a three-point play for a 50-27 lead.
The Wayne State reserves saw quality playing time in the second half and pushed the lead to 31 (70-39) on Bethany Mesko's (Traverse City, Mich.) trey and a jumper by sophomore Daijon Jefferson (Riverdale, Ill.) with 8:23 left in the game. After a defensive rebound, freshman Gina VanderMarliere (St. Clair Shores, Mich.) got in the books with a second-chance bucket.
George continued to crash the offensive boards and had two put-backs in a row, then stepped out and hit a long-range jumper for an 88-43 lead with 2:19 left. A minute later, George pulled down her sixth offensive rebound and converted on a three-point play.
Smith led all players with 14 points while George added a career-high 13 and nine rebounds. Rogers had a solid performance with nine rebounds, seven points, five assists, four steals and two blocks in 23 minutes of action.
The Warriors shot 47.7 percent (41-of-86) from the floor while forcing 33 total turnovers. Wayne State score 39 of its points off 33 Cardinal turnovers and 46 points were scored in the paint, compared to just 16 by Concordia.
Up next for WSU is Great Lakes Region opponent Northern Kentucky. Tip-off is schedule for 1 p.m. on Saturday. The Wayne State alumni game, originally set to follow Saturday's game, has been canceled and will be rescheduled at a later date. To be involved in the planning for future alumni games, please contact head coach Gloria Bradley at 313-577-7543.
