Badgers Fall Late to MTSU, 77-74
November 27, 2004 | Women's Basketball
A late 7-0 run was not enough for the University of Wisconsin women's basketball team as it dropped a 77-74 decision to Middle Tennessee State Saturday afternoon at Hofheinz Pavilion in the Houston Classic.
Senior Stephanie Rich single-handedly put UW (2-2) ahead 74-73 with 1:34 remaining after she converted a four-point play and followed that up with another 3-point basket in a span of 42 seconds.
However, two costly turnovers by the Badgers in the ensuing plays proved the difference'one turnover led to Patrice Holmes' 3-pointer to give MTSU (2-2) the 76-74 edge.
'This was a game we should have won, but we didn't bring our defensive presence from start to finish,' head coach Lisa Stone said. 'Our team is better than this. Our inability to put the dagger in and win the game was very frustrating.'
For the game, Wisconsin committed 22 turnovers to the Lady Raiders ' 17 and was out-rebounded 39-35.
Rich finished with 20 points and four assists. Ashley Josephson added 13 points and four rebounds, and Jolene Anderson had 11 points and six assists.
Holmes led all scorers with 25 points while also notching six assists and six steals. Teammate Krystle Horton chipped in 24 points and seven rebounds.
The Badgers, who shot 46.8 percent from the floor, trailed 34-32 at the break. They started the second half on a 6-0 run and eventually got the lead to as high as seven.
But four turnovers in a 4:56 span gave the advantage, which changed 11 times during the game, back to Middle Tennessee State.
Following Rich's run, she stole the ball from Givens but turned it over moments later and Holmes was able to answer the 3-point basket.
Givens was fouled with less than 20 seconds remaining and converted one free throw. UW's last possession resulted in a turnover and MTSU came out with the victory.
'Give Middle Tennessee credit,' Stone said. 'We turned the ball over and didn't get the shot off. Their (winning) play was run to perfection.'
The Badgers will stay on the road for their next game, meeting Marquette in non-conference action at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Milwaukee.
