George Washington University Athletics
Colonials Defeat Explorers In Conference Match-up
1/15/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Alexander Leads Charge in Second Half
PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 15, 2001) - The Colonials recovered from poor first half shooting and turnovers to rally in the second half behind Kristeena Alexander's 18 points and post a 57-52 victory over La Salle and remain undefeated in the Atlantic 10.
George Washington (10-6, 4-0) overcame one of their worst halves of basketball this season, in which they shot 28% from the floor, committing 14 turnovers and only connecting on seven field goals for the period. However, as the old axiom states, poor shooting is contagious, and this applied to La Salle (8-7, 2-2) as well, who shot 25% from the floor, also only scoring seven shots, but making all eight of their free throws in the first half to lead 23-18.
The Colonials regrouped at the start of the second half with freshman center Ugo Oha making a ten-foot jumper, and junior forward Elena Vishniakova converting two free throws off a La Salle foul. GW would then continue to put the pressure on, piecing together a 17-7 run in the first 10 minutes of the half, keyed by tough play by co-captain Alexander.
Alexander scored nine of her 18 points in the run and making three spectacular steals on defense. Vishniakova would also step-up, grabbing 10 rebounds and score 15 points to post her first double-double of the season and her career as a Colonial.
La Salle would not go quietly, and looked to their leading scorer, senior guard Jen Zenszer, who scored 16 to lead the Explorers' late charge. Zenszer hit two threes in the closing minutes to pull La Salle within four with a minute remaining. However, Alexander would convert 7-8 free throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory.
The Colonials will go from Broad St. to Broadway when they travel to face the Fordham Rams in Brooklyn, NY on Thursday, January 18 at 7:00 pm.
