Eastern Michigan Athletics
Eastern Michigan University
Central Michigan
Women's Hoops Soars Past CMU
1/21/2006 4:25:21 PM | Women's Basketball
Eagles defense proves to be too strong for Chippewas
Box score.
MT. PLEASANT, Mich.- The Eastern Michigan University women’s basketball team used a hot shooting second half to extended its winning streak to seven games as they defeated Central Michigan University, 58-45, here at Rose Arena Saturday afternoon. EMU shot 56 percent from the field in the second half and used strong defensive play throughout the contest to control the game and seal the victory.
Senior Ryan Coleman (Detroit, Mich.-CMA) paced the Eagle attack with 17 points and seven rebounds. With the decision EMU improves to 11-5 (5-0 MAC). The 5-0 start to the conference season marks the program’s best start in school history. The win is the 11th straight victory for the Eagles over the Chippewas, dating back to the 2000-01 campaign. Sarah VanMetre (Noblesville, Ind.-Noblesville) contributed to the attack by scoring 12 points and pulling down seven rebounds, while Patrice McKinney (Lansing, Mich.-Everett) snatched a game-high eight rebounds.
The Chippewas were led by Ann Skufca with 13 points. The Chip’s dropped to 10-6 (1-4 MAC). Stacy Verhoff also added 10 points and pulled down a team-high 6 rebounds.
The Eagles used a 20-10 run midway through the second half to pull away from the Chippewas. The run was sparked by Annie Malatinsky (Holt, Mich.-Holt) connecting on two three-point shots. The Eagles pulled out to a eleven point lead and never looked back.
The Eagles found themselves in early foul trouble in the first half, forcing several starters to the bench. Starters Nikki Knapp (Blue Springs, Mo.-Blue Springs South) and McKinney were limited to just six minutes apiece in the half. However, EMU was able to take a 20-20 tie into the locker room at the break after shooting 36% from the field compared to CMU’s 29%. Eastern was led by VanMetre with seven points and four rebounds, while Coleman added six points.
The Eagles are next in action Wednesday, Jan. 25, when they battle the Kent State University Golden Flashes at the Convocation Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will also be telecast live on Comcast Local, cable channel 8 in the Ypsilanti area.
