Nov. 26, 2006

Box Score

BALTIMORE - Five players scored in double figures for the University of Maryland Baltimore County in its 78-51 win over visiting New Jersey Institute of Technology in women's college basketball Sunday afternoon.

The Retrievers took control of the contest early, outscoring NJIT in the first half, 45-29. UMBC made 54.8 percent of its first half shots (17-31) and scored 20 points off of 17 NJIT turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. Both teams own 2-3 records for the season.

In the second half, NJIT's defense was stronger, as it held UMBC to 36.4 percent shooting (12-33) and the Highlanders took care of the ball better, committing just six turnovers over the final 20 minutes. However, NJIT which had made six three-point baskets in the first half, connected just once from three-point range in the second half and was unable to cut into the 16-point halftime deficit.

UMBC got a game-high 16 points in 25 minutes off the bench from Carlee Cassidy, followed closely by Sharri Rohde's 15 points. Brittnie Hughes finished with 11 points, while Kristin Drabyn and Amanda Robinson added 10 points apiece. Robinson, a junior forward, played just 16 minutes as a reserve, but collected a team-leading 8 rebounds, as the Retrievers enjoyed a slight 46-44 edge on the boards.

Hughes had a game-high 6 assists and Heather Luttrell added 4 assists and a game-best 4 steals.

NJIT had three double-figure scorers, led by Jill Dickinson's 14 points. The sophomore guard also had a game-high 9 rebounds. Freshmen Katie Piekielski and Lesley Hendricks each scored 12 points for the Highlanders. Hendricks shot 5-for-8 from the field, including 2-for-3 on three-pointers. She also led NJIT with 4 assists.

Senior co-captains Kelly Crowe and Aine O'Dwyer came down with 7 rebounds each for NJIT.

The first half was defined by UMBC spurts, as the Retrievers, leading, 11-10, with 14:22 remaining in the opening half, took control with a 15-3 run in the next 3:11.

The Highlanders then cut the deficit to 31-26 with 6:13 left, as Piekielski hit two three-pointers and Hendricks made another three to key NJIT's 13-5 rally.

However, UMBC responded with a 14-3 run to halftime, leaving the score at 45-29 at the break. The Retrievers removed all doubt about the outcome with a 13-3 run in the opening 6:08 of the second half.

NJIT will have a quick turnaround, hosting Saint Peter's on Tuesday at 7 pm in the Estelle and Zoom Fleisher Athletic Center.