George Washington University Athletics
George Washington University
Delaware (WNIT)
Colonials Roast Hens in Barn Burner, 78-71
3/13/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
WASHINGTON, DC (March 13, 2002) - Juniors Erica Lawrence and Cathy Joens scored 23 points apiece and sophomore Ugo Oha added 18 as the Colonials topped the University of Delaware Blue Hens, 78-71 to advance to the round of 16 in the Postseason Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT).
The Blue Hens (23-7) flew out to an early lead as the Colonials struggled on offense to begin the game, falling into a 10-3 hole by the 15:53 mark. A n 11-3 run over the next four minutes by GW gave them their first lead of the contest, 14-13.
The Blue Hens and Colonials would exchange baskets and the lead over the next nine minutes, knotting the game up at 28-28 with 2:28 left in the half. GW closed out the period with a flurry of baskets, outscoring UD 10-5 to take a five-point lead at the break, 38-35.
Lawrence led all scorers in the first half, coming off the bench to score 17 points on 8-9 shooting in 16 minutes of play. Oha added eight points on 4-12 shooting as the Colonials hit at a 48.5% clip (16-33) in the half.
GW continued their strong play in the second half, extending their lead to as much as 11 points with 2:12 left in the game, and holding UD to eight field goals on 35% (8-23) shooting. The Fightin' Blue Hens would live up to their name, chipping away at the Colonials' lead over the last two minutes, and pulling within five points with 21 seconds remaining, 76-71. GW converted two of four free throws in the closing seconds and Lawrence made a key steal with two seconds on the clock to put the game away.
Lawrence set a season-high with 23 points adding seven rebounds and seven steals on the contest. The junior forward's 23 gave her exactly 1,000 career points, becoming the 19th Colonial in history to achieve that benchmark.
The Colonials (21-8) will travel to Blacksburg, VA to face the Hokies of Virginia Tech in second round WNIT action on Saturday, March 16, in a 7:00 p.m. game.
