Women's Basketball Travels To Cincinnati For Saturday Showdown
1/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Seton Hall continues its pursuit of its first win in 2007 on Saturday against the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats and Pirates met for the first time a year ago in a 77-58 SHU loss at Walsh Gymnasium. Monique Blake posted an 18-point, 13-rebound double-double to lead Seton Hall.
The Pirates dropped to 9-8 overall and 1-5 in the BIG EAST on Jan. 16 with a 79-54 loss at West Virginia, the team’s fifth consecutive defeat. Heta Korpivaara and Brittney Messina led the way with 11 points each, while Noteisha Womack scored nine points to go along with 10 rebounds.
The Pirates are led by Blake, who leads the team in scoring (11.6 ppg) and rebounding (7.9 rpg). Blake scored in double-figures in eight straight games at one point and has posted six double-doubles on the season.
Seton Hall has a perfect 9-0 record when holding teams to 55 points or less. The Pirates have allowed only four opponents to score more than 70 points, while also holding two below 50.
The Bearcats have dropped three of four following an 89-76 loss to Xavier on Jan. 17. Cincinnati won its last BIG EAST contest, a 62-44 thumping of DePaul on Jan. 14, and is currently tied for ninth in the conference.
Senior guard Treasure Humphries leads the Bearcats with 13.4 ppgon 47.0 precent shooting. Sophomore swingman Shelly Bellman is close behind at 13.3 ppg to go along with a team-high 6.9 rpg. Two other players are also averaging double digit points, sophomore forward Michelle Jones (12.2 ppg) and senior guard Karen Twehues (10.0 ppg).
Head coach Laurie Pirtle is in her 21st season at the helm of the Bearcats, posting a 306-293 record in that time. Cincinnati qualified for the WNIT last year, losing in the first round to Florida International, 81-75, in overtime.
