Marquette University
Villanova
Marquette Falls, 72-58, at Villanova
2/23/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 25, 2006
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Christina Quaye became the 18th player to score 1,000 career points tonight, but it was not enough as Marquette had its three-game game win streak snapped, losing 72-58 to Villanova at the Pavilion in Villanova, Pa.
Quaye's layup with 8:47 left in the first half was the milestone field goal. She ended up with 19 points, on 9-of-14 shooting.
The first half began with both teams trading baskets for the early moments. Marquette (13-5, 4-3 BIG EAST) led 8-4 after two Danielle Kamm free throws with 14:42 left. But the Wildcats (11-6, 3-4) would respond with eight unanswered points, making it 12-8 with 12:50 to play. The Golden Eagles tied it at 12-12 on consecutive buckets by Marissa Thrower and Kamm.
Villanova went up six (20-14, 9:08), before two straight baskets by Quaye - including her 1,000th career point - cut it to 20-18. Once again, 'Nova went back up six (26-20, 3:57) before Carolyn Kieger scored five consecutive points, on a traditional three-point play and two free throws, making it 26-25. The Wildcats led, 30-27 at the break. Six of Villanova's eleven first-half field goals were three-pointers. Kamm and Quaye led MU with six points apiece at the break.
Villanova began the second half on an 8-2 push, taking a 38-29 lead with 16:47 left in regulation. They extended their run to 13-4, after a three in the deep corner gave the Wildcats the first double-digit lead of the game at 11 points (43-31).
Marquette responded with an 11-3 run - all 11 points by Quaye - making it 46-42 with just under 10:00 to play. But that was as close as the Golden Eagles would get, as Villanova would go on a 14-3 run, putting the score at 60-45 with 5:39 to go, and the game out of reach.
"I'm disappointed with our effort tonight." said head coach Terri Mitchell. "We dug ourselves into a hole in the second half, and everytime we'd make a run and get back into it, Villanova would extend it right back. I give them a lot of credit - they play very hard and very smart."
Villanova shot 54.8% in the second half, and connected on 6-of-9 from the outside.
Jasmine McCullough registered her second double-double of the season, with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Svetlana Kovalenko added 10 points off the bench, while Carolyn Kieger had six points and eight assists.
For the game, Marquette shot 48% from the floor (24-50), including 2-of-5 from three-point land. They were 8-for-9 from the charity stripe and outrebounded the Wildcats, 33-29. They had 17 assists and 15 turnovers.
