Rich Leads Badgers to Exhibition Win
November 07, 2003 | Women's Basketball
The University of Wisconsin downed Minnesota State-Mankato 78-49 this evening in a pre-season exhibition game at the Kohl Center. Badger fans got their first look at new head coach Lisa Stone as she directed the action from the UW sideline. Wisconsin used its superior size and a tenacious defense to beat the overmatched Mavericks who play in the NCAA's Division II.
Wisconsin controlled the paint against Mankato, dominating the boards and the inside scoring. UW outrebounded the Mavericks 43-22 and held a decisive advantage in points in the paint (40-12). The Badgers had their shooting touch throughout the game, converting 52% of their field-goal attempts. On the other end of the court, Mankato shot only 35% and sank seven of its 28 three-point attempts.
'It was a wonderful display of what I think the fans are ready to see,' praised Coach Stone. 'It was exciting. I have great young women that come to work every single day, and I've worked them three hours a day from the get-go. They warmed up in the pre-game warm-up like it was the last game of the year, and that sends a great message to me. I believe in this team and it was a special night. The first one's over, and we're looking forward to the next one. '
Senior center Emily Ashbaugh led UW down low, scoring 16 points on 7-8 shooting and grabbing five rebounds. Lello Gebisa contributed nine points and six rebounds, while Jordan Wilson recorded six points and six boards.
Guard Stephanie Rich paced the Badger offense from the perimeter, finishing with a game-high 29 points. Rich was 6-10 from beyond the three-point arc and added four rebounds, three steals, and two assists in a fine all-around performance.
Newcomer Kandace Evans provided UW with a spark off of the bench, contributing five rebounds, four points, and three assists.
The game began evenly, and the scrappy Mavericks stuck close over the opening minutes. With a slim 9-7 lead, however, UW took control and stepped up its game on both ends of the court. The Badgers held Mankato to only three field goals for the rest of the half, outscoring the Mavericks 29 to 10 down the stretch. Eight different players scored for the versatile Badger offense in the opening frame.
Wisconsin continued to extend its lead in the second half, and Coach Stone took advantage of the cushion to give her bench players some valuable game experience.
Guard Kelli Freeman led the Mavericks with 20 points, including four three-pointers. Stacie Johnson and Hannah Stolba were also in double figures with ten points apiece. Arin Andrews led Mankato with six rebounds.
Wisconsin continues its exhibition schedule with a game against the Wisconsin Viking Club, an AAU select team that lists several former Badgers, including Krista Bird, Dee Dee Pate, and Karie Cattanach on its roster. Tip-off is set for this coming Tuesday, November 11 at 7:00 PM in the Kohl Center.
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