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Defense and Rebounding Key Win
Over Wheaton
Box Score
UW-Stevens Point used a suffocating defense
and dominating rebounding advantage to post a 71-44 win over
fifth-ranked Wheaton on Saturday at Berg Gym.
The Pointers held the Thunder to 32.2 percent
shooting and had a 50-26 rebounding differential in posting their fifth
straight win to open the season. Wheaton lost for the third time since
the lofty preseason ranking as it fell to 2-3 overall.
Katie Webber sparked the Pointers� defensive
effort with five steals. She also penetrated the Wheaton defense for
several layups while scoring a game-high 16 points on seven-for-10
shooting.
The Pointers held the Thunder without a field
goal for a span of 7:03 of the first half in building a 24-11 lead with
four minutes left. UW-Stevens Point shot an uncharacteristic 28.0
percent in the first half after entering the game at 57.0 percent for
the season, but still led 29-19 at halftime by making 14 of 20 first
half free throws.
UW-Stevens Point maintained its lead until
turnovers on five of six possessions allowed Wheaton to move within six
points at 42-36 with 11:17 left. However, Webber again drove to the
basket for a layup to spark a six-point run to push the lead back to 12
points.
The Pointers closed the game by scoring the
last 12 points over the final 4:51 of the contest. UW-Stevens Point shot
54.2 percent in the second half and finished the game at 40.8 percent,
marking the first time the Pointers have been held below 50 percent this
season.
UW-Stevens Point also had a sizable advantage
at the free throw line, making 28 of 37 attempts compared to just
six-for-12 for Wheaton. Chelsea Kranz made all eight of her attempts and
finished with eight points and eight rebounds. Haley Houghton was
perfect on six free throws and had 10 points, while Jesirae Heuer added
11 points and eight rebounds.
Jill Trenz and Kathleen Fidelia each had 12
points for the Thunder. |
