Temple University Athletics
CAVALIERS SPOIL STALEY'S RETURN AS WOMEN'S HOOPS SUFFERS 72-71 DEFEAT AT VIRGINIA
12.28.03 | Women's Basketball
Joining Jordan, who also had three assists, four rebounds and two steals, with double figures in the scoring column were sophomore center Candice Dupree (16 points), junior forward Ari Moore (11 points) and senior guard Christena Hamilton (10 points). Moore and senior forward Toni Belafonte led the Owls in rebounding with six boards apiece.
Brandi Teamer led Virginia in scoring with a game-high 21 points and tied for a game-high honors with eight rebounds. Kate Kreager, who was the only other Cavalier to score in double figures with 15 points, also had eight boards for Virginia.
Staley, who made her first return to Charlottesville as an opposing coach, commented on what it was like to be a visitor in what used to be her home arena. "Before the game, it felt weird," said Staley. "I looked around and it felt different. Once we got into the game, it was like any other. I get into a zone as a coach and block all of that other stuff out."
The Cavaliers (5-4) got great production both inside and outside as they controlled the boards, 34-25, and had the advantage in three-point shooting, 54 percent to 43 percent. Virginia also had an edge in steals, 9-8, and blocks, 4-2, while Temple took a little better care of the basketball, forcing 20 turnovers while committing 17. The Owls (3-5) controlled the first half, never trailing, and held a 36-31 lead at intermission. The Cavaliers seized control of the game in the second stanza and ultimately, Temple could not fend them off long enough to squeak out a win.
The Owls will next face Georgia State in the consolation game of the Cavalier Classic, on Monday, December 29. The Lady Panthers lost to Minnesota, 81-52, on December 28. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
