2008 Woodie Awards
Women continue march toward Horizon top four
Early second half surge, guard play gets it done
Andrew Smothers
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: Sports
Media Credit: Ryan CalacsanSophomore guard Bri Hinkle pushes the fast break early in the first half of Thursday's 63-60 Flames victory over Wright State.
A stronger defensive effort in the second half and improved overall free throw shooting enabled the UIC women's basketball team to claim their third victory in four games, holding off Wright State 63-60, Thursday at the Pavilion.
Flames' sophomore guards Jessie Miller and Bri Hinkle tallied 19 and 18 points, respectively, while freshman point guard Taylor Manley added 15. Sophomore reserve Cassie Johnson led the team with eight rebounds.
The team connected on 9 of twelve free throws, impressive for a squad that entered the game shooting at a .589 clip. Free throw shooting has been a concern all season long and almost cost the Flames their upset over then-league leading Milwaukee on January 23. UIC missed three one-and-one opportunities down the stretch in that game, but held on. Thankfully, that wasn't a problem in this game.
"I feel this win is another step towards being the team I think we have the potential to be," said coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "It's been a work in progress. Eight percent shooting for the season is our goal, and I think we're understanding that better."
The win put UIC within two games of a coveted top-four spot in the Horizon League standings. A finish of fourth or better in league play would guarantee the team a home game at the beginning of March's League championship tournament, something that would certainly benefit a Flames team with only one road victory.
Though both team hit their first few shots of the contest, neither settled into any kind of rhythm in the first half, offensively or defensively. The lead changed 11 times and was tied on eight occasions in the opening period to the equally matched teams of similar playing styles.
Hinkle and Miller accounted for much of the team's first half scoring as the 5'7" Hinkle pushed the fast break and Miller earned many open looks from the right wing.
The Raiders found their first half offensive success in the paint, dominating a poor UIC interior defense.
The Flames finally began to establish themselves in the last two minutes of the half after coach Ryckbosch challenged her team's inconsistent effort.
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Flames' sophomore guards Jessie Miller and Bri Hinkle tallied 19 and 18 points, respectively, while freshman point guard Taylor Manley added 15. Sophomore reserve Cassie Johnson led the team with eight rebounds.
The team connected on 9 of twelve free throws, impressive for a squad that entered the game shooting at a .589 clip. Free throw shooting has been a concern all season long and almost cost the Flames their upset over then-league leading Milwaukee on January 23. UIC missed three one-and-one opportunities down the stretch in that game, but held on. Thankfully, that wasn't a problem in this game.
"I feel this win is another step towards being the team I think we have the potential to be," said coach Lisa Ryckbosch. "It's been a work in progress. Eight percent shooting for the season is our goal, and I think we're understanding that better."
The win put UIC within two games of a coveted top-four spot in the Horizon League standings. A finish of fourth or better in league play would guarantee the team a home game at the beginning of March's League championship tournament, something that would certainly benefit a Flames team with only one road victory.
Though both team hit their first few shots of the contest, neither settled into any kind of rhythm in the first half, offensively or defensively. The lead changed 11 times and was tied on eight occasions in the opening period to the equally matched teams of similar playing styles.
Hinkle and Miller accounted for much of the team's first half scoring as the 5'7" Hinkle pushed the fast break and Miller earned many open looks from the right wing.
The Raiders found their first half offensive success in the paint, dominating a poor UIC interior defense.
The Flames finally began to establish themselves in the last two minutes of the half after coach Ryckbosch challenged her team's inconsistent effort.
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