Cincinnati edges UT with late free throws

11/24/2008

CINCINNATI - Kahla Roudebush hit two free throws with 12 seconds left to lift Cincinnati to a 60-59 women's basketball victory yesterday over the University of Toledo at Fifth Third Arena.

Freshman Naama Shafir led the Rockets with a game-high 16 points and five assists, while sophomores Jessica Williams had 13 points and Amber Heistan 11.

"Hopefully we use this game as a learning experience, but I'm so proud of the way they fought," UT coach Tricia Cullop said. "This team is a work in progress but the team is working hard all the time. We still have a lot to learn but we're definitely moving in the right direction."

UT (2-2) shot 38.5 percent (20-of-52) from the field and 66.7 percent (10-of-15) from the free-throw line.

Shafir scored with 14 seconds left to give UT its first lead of the half, 59-58.

But Williams was called for a foul, sending Roudebush to the foul line. After she made both shots, Shafir raced the ball up the floor and found freshman Courtney Ingersoll open on the baseline, but Ingersoll's shot bounced off the front of the rim as the buzzer sounded.

"You have to credit UC's defense on that last play," Cullop said.

"They did a good job of covering Naama and not giving her a good look at the basket."

Jill Stephens paced UC with 13 points, while Roudebush had 12 points and Tenishia Benson added 10.

The Rockets travel to play at Cleveland State at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

OSU WOMEN LOSE: Sherell Hobbs scored six of her 23 points in overtime to lift No. 20 Auburn to a 87-80 win over No. 17 Ohio State. Hobbs had a steal and

layup with 54 seconds left in the extra period to seal the win for the Tigers (4-0).

Jantel Lavender led Ohio State (3-1) with 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Star Allen had 18 points and Samantha Prahalis added 15.