COLLEGE BASKETBALL
UT lead melts away in loss to Chippewas
Rockets fall in 3rd straight game
1/4/2014MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — The University of Toledo women’s basketball team led by six points early in the second half today at Central Michigan. Then it faded.
A decisive run helped the Chippewas race past the Rockets 84-71 at McGuirk Arena during the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams.
Bolstered by Inma Zanoguera’s 21 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, Toledo (5-7, 0-1 MAC) led 49-43 with 16 minutes, 21 seconds to play.
That’s when CMU (5-8, 1-0) made its move. A 24-4 run turned that deficit into a Chippewas lead that grew to as many as 18 points, and the Rockets drew no closer than 11 after that.
Andola Dortch scored 17 points for the Rockets, who have dropped three consecutive games for the first time since November, 2010. Brianna Jones finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for her fourth double-double this season.
Crystal Bradford thrived for Central Michigan. She scored 10 of her 24 points during CMU’s pivotal run, grabbed 13 rebounds, and added five assists and two steals.
Kerby Tamm added 16 points for the Chippewas, who made 14 of 32 shots from the 3-point line (43.8 percent). Niki DiGuilio finished with 12 points.
The Rockets shot 38.9 percent (28 of 72) from the field, including 25.9 percent (7 of 27) on 3-pointers.
CMU’s bench provided a huge advantage during the game. The Chippewas’ reserves outscored Toledo’s 43-13.
The Rockets return to action on Thursday against Northern Illinois at Savage Arena, though not at night. Tip-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. for the third annual Educational Day.