WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS IN SEASON OPENER TO UNLV, 92-71
11/15/2008
LAS VEGAS - The Sacramento State women's basketball fell in their season opener to the UNLV Lady Rebels, 92-71 on Friday, Nov. 14 at Cox Pavilion.
With the loss, the Hornets fall to 0-1 on the season, while the Lady Rebels improve to 1-0.
Five Hornets reached double-figures, led by freshman Nneka Payne (Auburn, Wash.), who scored 14 points off the bench in 16 minutes. Junior Erika Edwards (Redmond, Wash.) recorded a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, while senior Atty Boyer (Sacramento, Calif.), sophomore Jasmine Cannady (Sacramento, Calif.) and freshman Karri Gallagher (Lake Stevens, Wash.) each reached double figures.
Both teams struggled to score in the first half, as UNLV took a 37-24 lead into the intermission. The Hornets quickly cut the lead to eight with a 9-4 run to open the half, and pulled to within six at 45-39 with 13:40 remaining, following a Payne three-pointer. But the Rebels had the answer, as freshman Jamie Smith hit a three on the insuing possession, and the Hornets would pull no closer.
The game was still within reach at the 4:06 mark, with the score 73-65 following another Payne three-pointer, but the Rebels closed the game on a 19-6 run to take home the 21 point victory.
Sacramento State was hampered by foul trouble, as junior Charday Hunt (Portland, Ore.) played just 11 minutes before fouling out, finishing the game with seven points and four rebounds. Edwards, who went 3-for-3 from beyond the three-point arc, and sophomore Tika Koshiyama-Diaz (San Jose, Calif.) also fouled out, as the Hornets were whistled for 29 fouls, leading to 36 Lady Rebel free throws.
UNLV also placed five players in double-figures, as Brittany Halberg led all scorers with a career-high 22 points, while Shamela Hampton scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
The Hornets return to action on Sunday, Nov. 16 as they travel to Corvalis, Ore. to take on Oregon State. Tip off is scheduled for 5:35 p.m. from Gill Coliseum.
LAS VEGAS - The Sacramento State women's basketball fell in their season opener to the UNLV Lady Rebels, 92-71 on Friday, Nov. 14 at Cox Pavilion.
