Womens Gam recap

mgsteve · January 16, 2004

Denver Falls to North Texas

Hart and Cyran record double-doubles in effort

Jan. 15, 2004

Ragan Neblett's (Arvada, Colo.) last second shot rattled in and out as the University of Denver women's basketball team fell 70-68 to Sun Belt Conference foe North Texas at Magness Arena Thursday. Denver falls to 7-7, 0-2 on the season, while North Texas improved to 5-9, 1-1.

Denver came back from a seven-point halftime deficit to lead by two points with a minute to play in the game, but North Texas converted a conventional three-point play to take a one point advantage and an eventual 70-69 decision. Stephanie Hart (Shoreline, Wash.) and Sarah Cyran (Broomfield, Colo.) each recorded double-doubles to lead the Pioneers. Hart scoed a career-high 18 points and added 14 rebounds. Cyran scored 11 points and notched a career high 12 rebounds. Five players scored in double figures for the Mean Green, with Kim Blanton leading the way with 18 points.

"This game was lost in the first half," Head Coach Pam Tanner said. "We executed the last second play perfectly, and got a good look at the basket, but it didn't go in. "I am disappointed that we didn't execute on defense in the first half. We have the parts to be a very good basketball team, but we have got to play 40 minutes of basketball every game."

After trailing by seven points at the half, Denver began the second half with a 10-4 run to close the gap to one point at 45-44. Hart scored six of the 10 points to start the second stanza. Jill Medlock sunk two three pointers to get the Mean Green lead back to five points (51-46) and Mia Ajekwa added two free throws to give UNT back its halftime margin of seven points (53-46). Hart continued her assault with two free throws and a driving layup in traffic, while Cyran contributed to key buckets in an 8-3 run that got the Pioneers within one point of the lead (55-54) with eight minutes to play. Tasha Jones (San Antonio, Texas) tied the game with two free throws, and Neblett gave the Pioneers their first lead of the second half at 60-57.

In a tug-o-war battle down the stretch, Denver earned a 68-66 lead with a minute to play. Mia Ajkewu earned a layup and a personal foul was called on Jones to allow North Texas to gain a 69-68 lead. Denver fouled to stop the clock, relinquishing one point. With 14 seconds to play, Denver set up for the last shot. Neblett's three point attempt rattled in and out at the buzzer to end the game.

In the first half, North Texas earned a six-point lead (14-8) before Denver scored two three pointers to tie the game at 14 points. Tyesha Lowery scored the first trey, and Natalie Swisa (Herzelia, Israel) followed with a three to tie the score. Denver used the momentum to build a 22-18 lead as Laura Granzow (Springfield, Mo.) scored back-to-back buckets. North Texas made a 10-2 run to regain the lead at 28-24. Jones responded with four points to tie the game at 28 points before the Mean Green finished the half on an 11-6 run to take a seven-point lead to the locker room at intermission (41-34). Ericka Bobo sunk a three pointer with just seconds on the clock to end the half. All-conference selection Kim Blanton led the Mean Green with 14 points in the first half.