Jan. 17, 2009

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - The UW-Parkside Rangers used a dominating 21-to-5 edge in free throws to top the Lewis University women's basketball team 56-51 in a Great Lakes Valley Conference contest on Saturday afternoon at Neil Carey Arena.

The Flyers were in control early, taking a 20-6 lead with 7:51 remaining in the first half on a jumper by sophomore Kady Currin (Cincinnati, Ohio/Seton). But then the Rangers came alive, outscoring the Flyers 21-4 the rest of the half to take a three-point lead into halftime. It would have been a five point lead had Currin not drained a jumper at the buzzer.

The Rangers continued to control much of the early second half, holding a six point lead with 11:41 left. But a backdoor layup, on a beautiful feed from sophomore Jenny Turpel (Johnsburg, Ill./Johnsburg), and a 3-pointer by senior Mandie Morelock (Poplar Grove, Ill./North Boone) cut it to 36-35. The Flyers took the lead at 7:06 on a trey by Turpel. But unfortunately for the Flyers it would be their only lead of the second half. Morelock was fouled on a 3-pointer that hit every part of the rim before dropping in to knot the score at 44 with 4:31 left. But Morelock missed the ensuing free throw to leave the score tied.

A 3-point play by freshman Devon Carbaugh (Sterling, Ill./Sterling) cut the Rangers' lead in half with 1:43 left. After Turpel missed a jumper the Rangers had the ball with under a minute remaining and a 52-49 lead. It appeared Morelock had a steal but the Rangers called a timeout just moments before Morelock possessed the ball. UW-Parkside had to call another timeout after being unable to inbound the ball. The Rangers were able to get the ball in on the second try, and as soon as they did Carbaugh was called for a foul in the blocks. Brittany Hogen made two free throws to make it a 54-49 game. Currin raced down the court for a layup to bring it back to a one possession game, but after failing to get a steal Amanda Gibson made two from the charity stripe to put the game away.

Gibson, the GLVC's leading scorer, was limited to only three baskets from the floor and 10 total points. But on the flip side the Rangers controlled Lewis sophomore Kelly Monaco (Chicago, Ill./Resurrection), who finished 0-for-9 from the field.

Turpel recorded back-to-back fouls with six minutes left in the first half, and a quick foul in the second half to limit her time on the court.

"It makes all the difference on both ends of the floor when she (Jenny) is in the game," head coach Lisa Carlsen said. "With her out they were able to extend their zone and take away some opportunities from the outside."

In 29 minutes, Turpel led the Flyers with 14 points. Senior Jenna Mooberry (Byron, Ill./Byron) added 12 points, connecting on 3-of-5 from long range. Currin and Morelock each had eight points.

"Mandie did a good job, especially on the defensive end," Carlsen said.

The Flyers committed a season-low eight turnovers. The difference in the game came at the line. Lewis made 5-of-7 from the line while the Rangers connected on 21-of-22 from the charity stripe.

"They were more physical than we were," Carlsen said. "They got things deep in the lane that we didn't."

The Flyers fall to 7-9 (3-4 GLVC). UW-Parkside is 11-5 (7-1 GLVC). Lewis is back in action on Thursday when the Flyers travel to St. Joseph's. Start time is 5:30 p.m.