Temple University Athletics
Temple Women's Basketball Cruises to 72-48 Win Over Ball State
11.28.07 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 28, 2007
PHILADELPHIA - Temple women's basketball cruised to a 72-48 win over Ball State on Wednesday evening at the Liacouras Center in the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Temple improved to 3-4 overall, while Ball State fell to 3-3.
The first half started off slowly. Both teams were plagued by shooting woes. TU jumped out to an 8-0 lead, sparked by two treys from point guard Ashley Morris. After starting 1-16 from the field, Ball State came back within two, 14-12, on a three-pointer by Emily Maggert. Temple then went on a 9-0 run to go ahead by ten, 23-13. BSU came within four, but the Owls held the lead at intermission, 27-23.
"Sometimes we need a wake-up call," TU head coach Dawn Staley said. "Coming off of our Virgin Islands trip, our kids are just tired. They've played four games in six days. We're not the type of team that wins games in the first half."
Morris helped the Owls push their lead to 11 to open the second half. She had a steal, a jumper and another trey to spark a run. TU then started to pull away. Freshman Dawnnae Roberts added back-to-back threes to push the lead to 17 points, 50-33 with 11:29 to go. The Owls lead by 20 during the final five minute of play.
Morris led all scorers with 13 points. Junior Shanea Cotton came off the bench for a career-high 12 point, 10 of which she scored in the first half. Senior Lady Comfort added eight points and a game-high 10 rebounds. Roberts added a career-high eight points, including two treys in the second stanza.
The Owl bench scored 38 of the team's points.
"The bench knows they're going to play," Staley said. "This part of the season will only help us get better."
Audrey McDonald was the only Cardinal in double figures with 11 points.
"I think playing these teams in November helps us when we have to play in March," said sophomore LaKeisha Eaddy. "It puts Temple on the map."
Overall, Temple out-rebounded Ball State, 50-26. The Owls shot 60 percent from the field in the second half, while the Cardinals shot a dismal 28.6 percent for the game.
Temple continues its three-game home stand on Saturday, Dec. 1 when the Owls host powerhouse NC State. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. at the Liacouras Center. The Big Talker WPHT 1210 AM, will broadcast the game live.
