OXFORD, Ohio -- After 11 days without a game, the IUPUI women's basketball team endured another difficult night from the field, falling to Miami-Ohio, 77-56, Wednesday night at Millett Hall.
IUPUI (3-8) was led by junior #Jernisha Cann#, who had a team-high 13 points and 13 rebounds. The double-double was the fifth of the season for Cann (pictured), who leads The Summit League in that category.
The junior also was named to the 2007-08 Naismith Trophy preseason watch list prior to the game tonight. The Naismith Trophy is the most prestigious national award presented annually to college basketball's players of the year.
Playing Miami-Ohio (7-4) for the second time in a month, the IUPUI women's basketball team could not solve the problems that led to their first loss against the RedHawks.
Miami shot 45.0 percent from the field in tonight's win, compared with the 51.1 percent they hit back on November 17 in the Preseason WNIT. In that game, a 73-59 Miami victory, the RedHawks knocked down 11-of-17 three point attempts. They hit 9-of-21 tonight, knocking down four in the first half to pull away.
IUPUI went 27-for-60 from the field in the loss, which paled in comparison to the 42.6 percent the Jaguars shot in their first defeat to Miami.
The RedHawks opened the second half on a 13-6 run to open a 20 point lead and effectively end the suspense in the contest.
IUPUI came out aggressive in the opening minutes but struggled from the field. The Jags were able to corral some early offensive rebounds, but could not convert on their second chance opportunities.
Miami, meanwhile, used crisp ball movement to open an early 10-4 lead on the back of a three-pointer from the wing and an easy layup after a strong enrty pass.
Despite missing nine consecutive field goal attempts, defense kept the Jaguars in the game, as they harrassed Miami with their full-court press.
However, the dam finally broke, as IUPUI's dry spell from the field could only last so long before Miami pulled away early in the game. The RedHawks sandwiched three pointers from Amanda Jackson and Laura Markwood around a free throw to push their lead to 17-4 8:43 into the game.
By the time Cann converted a three-point play to end IUPUI's scoreless streak at 7:33, Miami led 17-4. A three pointer on the RedHawks ensuing possession stretched the lead back to 13.
The Jaguars were able to close within 9 by hitting five of their next seven baskets, but got no closer. At the half, Miami led 34-21.
IUPUI will host No. 17 Notre Dame on Friday, December 21 at 7 p.m. - the first time the Jaguars have hosted a nationally ranked opponent. Tickets are still available for the game by contacting the Athletics Office at 317-274-5453 for additional details.
The game will also be available online, with Scott McCauley handling the play-by-play of the SummitTV broadcast. Single games are available for $4.95 apiece while a full season can be purchased for $49.95, via the Summit League website.
(12-19-07)
