Jan. 13, 2005

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Massachusetts' defense proved to be too much for Saint Joseph's women's basketball team as the Minutewomen downed the Hawks 42-33 Thursday afternoon in front of 2,500 fans at Alumni Memorial Fieldhouse.

After trailing 20-14 at the half, Massachusetts used a 24-7 run to start the second stanza and grab a 38-27 lead. The Hawks, who were held to five second-half field goals, went scoreless from 8:56 until 5:08 as the Minutewomen built up an 11-point lead.

Saint Joseph's, who was hosting "Fieldtrip to the Fieldhouse" for local school children, scored five consecutive points to come within six, 38-32. Red-shirt freshman Erica Pollock capped the run with a free throw at 4:44.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, Massachusetts' defense clamped down, causing two turnovers and allowing only one point over the final four minutes.

In the first half, Saint Joseph's started strong, jumping out to a 12-4 just 8:44 into the game. Pollock scored five of her game-high 11 points during that stretch as the Hawks caused seven turnovers.

Massachusetts trailed by as many as eight before cutting the deficit to three, 17-14, at the break on a Kate Mills layup with 36 seconds remaining in the half.

For the game, Saint Joseph's shot 21.7 percent from the field (10-of-46), but only 18.5 percent (5-of-27) in the second half. Massachusetts didn't shoot much better, going 15-of-56 from the field for 28.6 percent. The Minutewomen held the advanatage on the boards 43-39 and outscored the Hawks 28-12 in the paint.

Saint Joseph's junior forward Faith Schutte added eight points and nine rebounds as Pollock added six rebounds to go with her 11 points. Junior Maura McBryan added seven points, while classmate Kelly Springman chipped in with three points and three assists.

Sophomore Tamara Tatham paced the Minutewomen with 10 points. Mills added seven off the bench as the Massachusetts bench outscored Saint Joseph's 19-1.

With the loss, Saint Joseph's falls to 3-13 on the season and 1-3 in Atlantic 10 play. The Minutewomen improve to 9-6 overall and 2-2 in the A-10.

Saint Joseph's returns to action Sunday, when the Hawks make their yearly visit to Olean, New York to take on St. Bonaventure. Game time is set for noon.