WCU takes over sole possession of first place
LJ Harrell
Issue date: 1/26/09 Section: Sports
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On Wednesday, Jan. 21, the Lady Rams (12-5, 4-0 PSAC East) continued their dominance over rival Cheyney by defeating the Lady Wolves 65-54 at Cope Hall. The victory marked the 36th time that West Chester has defeated Cheyney in the last 37 games played.
West Chester was able to walk out of Cheyney with a victory despite turning the ball over 41 times.
"It's hard to say," head coach Deirdre Kane said. "I don't believe I have ever coached a game where my team had 40 turnovers. I knew we were turning it over, but wow, I have to put my glasses on. Is that really a 4?"
The Lady Rams jumped out to a 14-point lead halfway through the first half after sophomore guard Megan Stewart hit a three-pointer and junior forward Renata Neal converted a layup to make the score 21-7.
Sophomores Mary Kate Serratelli and Dominique Adams would increase West Chester's lead to 16 after converted back-to-back buckets with eight minutes remaining in the half.
With West Chester holding a 14 point lead, both teams went stagnant as the Lady Rams turned the ball over four times during the stretch and Cheyney missed a couple of shots. Cheyney broke the streak after sophomore guard Angel Henderson buried a couple of free throws to cut into the West Chester lead.
The Lady Rams finished the half scoring the final six points as senior forward Dana Weems hit a jumper, junior forward Janelle Garber hit two free throws and freshman guard Jill Keefer made a layup with less than 20 seconds remaining in the half to end the scoring. West Chester went into the locker room with a 12 point lead.
In the second half, both teams traded shot for shot as West Chester continued to hold a double digit lead until the 13 minute mark of the half.
Junior forward Stephanie Orji for Cheyney hit a jumper to pull the Lady Wolves within 10 points for the first time since the first half.
The Lady Rams turned the ball over again and Cheyney took advantage. Senior guard Martina Randall buried a three-point shot with less than 12 minutes remaining in the game to cut the West Chester lead to five.
Following another two-minute dry spell by both teams, Cheyney took advantage of yet another West Chester turnover. Following a made free throw by junior guard Lutfiyya Muhammad, Cheyney created another turnover as Keefer could not control the basketball and Angel Stephens made a layup to pull Cheyney within two points.
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