UT tops Detroit for second time

12/19/2007

DETROIT - The University of Toledo women defeated Detroit for the second time this season. But last night it was at Calihan Hall, 55-40, the Rockets' first victory on the road.

"Getting that first road win is big," said Toledo coach Mark Ehlen, whose team yielded the fewest points since 2004 "We didn't play a great game, but it was good enough to get the victory.

"I thought we defended and rebounded well, and we also hit some big shots when it counted in the second half."

The difference came at the free throw line where Toledo went 17-for-21, including 12-of-14 in the second half. Detroit was 2-of-7 for the game.

Allie Clifton and Ta'Yani Clark scored 14 points apiece to pace Toledo (4-4). Clifton grabbed 10 rebounds and went 6-for-6 from the line.

Tamesha Scotten added 11 points for Toledo with six rebounds as the Rockets won 36-27 on the boards, including 13-7 on the offensive end.

Zemora Davis paced Detroit (1-8) with 10 points.

The game did not start well for the Rockets, who turned the ball over five times in the first four minutes. But following a timeout the Rockets seemed to find their groove and reeled off 10 straight points to take a 12-6 lead.

The game was knotted 23-23 at the half, and 31-31 early in the second half.

Then the Rockets went on a 9-0 run, capped by two Clifton free throws, to take control.

The Rockets' largest lead of the game came with 5:02 remaining when Nacole Stocks made two free throws for a 47-33 margin.