Rocket women fall

12/10/2002

PITTSBURGH - Duquense jumped to a 40-16 halftime lead, then held on to defeat the University of Toledo 63-60 last night in women's basketball at the Palumbo Center.

Freshman Aiga Bautre led Duquesne (6-1) with 18 points.

The Rockets (4-2) were paced by Kelly Walker with 18 (16 in the second half). Tia Davis added 17 with 14 in the second half.

Toledo rallied in the second half to trim the lead to 50-39 with 11:13 left.

The Rockets' press and pressure defense slowed down the Dukes as UT got within 61-60 on a layup by Teresa Kahle (14 points) with 34 seconds left.

But Duquesne's Beth Friday, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds, hit two free throws with 19 seconds left.

UT's Julie Hillis shot a 3-pointer at the buzzer which bounced off the back of the rim.

Duquesne built its big lead in the first half thanks to a 21-0 run. It led 16-11 before holding UT scoreless for 8:17 to take a 37-11 lead, the largest margin of the game.

The Dukes shot 51 percent (22 of 43) to UT's 35 percent (20 of 57). At the line, Duquesne made 11 of 18 to the Rockets' 13 of 17.

The Dukes gave up 23 points on 22 turnovers while Toledo made just 12 turnovers.

Duquesne held a 37-26 rebounding edge. Davis and Karin Hoogendam had six each for the Rockets.

UT returns home to play DePaul at 2 p.m. Sunday.