University of Minnesota Athletics
University of Minnesota
Ohio
GOPHER WOMEN'S BASKETBALL USES LONG BALL TO DOWN OHIO
12/8/1999 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Golden Gophers (3-4) hit an impressive 50 percent from three-point range (10-20) behind a combined 9-for-17 performance by the starting guard tandem of sophomore Cassie VanderHeyden and freshman Lindsay Lieser.
Minnesota used a 54 percent field goal percentage to build a 36-26 advantage at the half. Forward Kim Prince's jumper with 12:35 left to play gave the Gophers their biggest lead, 20 points, at 53-33.
The Bobcats (1-4) weren't about to give up the game without a fight. A Khisha Asubuhi three-pointer from the right baseline ignited a 14-0 Ohio run which brought the Bobcats back to within six points at 53-47 with 9:20 remaining. Ohio knocked the Minnesota lead to five points several times down the stretch but could not get any closer.
Minnesota was aided in the final minute by the double bonus rule that awards two free throws after a team's 10th foul instead of a one-and-one situation. The Gophers missed the front end of five straight trips to the line but still ended up going 7-for-12 from the stripe to ice the victory.
VanderHeyden led the Gophers with 19 points, including 4-of-7 from three-point range. She also added a team-high six assists. Lieser, the Big Ten Conference leader in three-point field goals, went 5-for-10 from long range on her way to 17 points. Moneeke Bowden, 13 points, and Erin Olson, 12 points, were other Gopher starters in double figures.
Guard Jacquie Negrelli came off the bench to top Ohio in scoring with 19 points, all of which were scored in the second half of play. Heather Laughlin added 13 points.
