Creighton University
Memphis
Women's Basketball Captures 89-79 Win at Memphis
12/6/2006 2:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Six players scored in double figures for the Creighton women's basketball team, as the Bluejays captured their first victory of the season with an 89-79 triumph at Memphis Wednesday night. Ally Thrall led the team with 21 points as the Bluejays' (1-7) snapped their seven-game losing streak and captured their first road win since last December.
The Lady Tigers (2-8) scored the first bucket of the game, but did not lead after the Bluejays countered with a Thrall lay-up and Michelle Kaus three-pointer to go up 5-2. The Bluejays would then lead for the remainder of the game, leading by as many as 10 in the first half before heading to half time with a 47-38 lead.
The Jays came out of the half on fire on both the offensive and defensive ends, pushing to a 19-point lead, up 62-43 five minutes into half. CU had its largest lead of the game, up by 23, 72-49 with just over 10 minutes to play. Memphis tried to get back in the game, but after missing its first nine shots of the second half, could not overcome the large deficit. The Lady Tigers got within six with 19 seconds to play, but CU's free-throw shooting got the Jays the win.
CU entered the game ranked seventh in the NCAA in free-throw shooting, and bettered their shooting at the line, making 18-of-22 shots at the charity stripe. The Jays made all eight of their free-throw attempts in the final thirty seconds to hold off the Tigers. Thrall went 8-for-8 at the line to aid her 21 point total.
Chevelle Herring finished with 16 points, while Sara Cain chipped in 13. Cain also led the team with a career-high five assists and added four steals to lead the way. Kaus finished with 11 points, making 3-of-6 three-pointers, while freshman Sam Schuett added 10. Tyrai Bronson scored a career-high 10 points, making all three of her field goals, including two treys and made both of her free-throws on the night.
The Jays shot over 50 percent from the field for the second time this year, making 31-of-61 shots from the field. CU shot better than 32 percent from three-point range for the first time this season, making 9-of-18 trifectas. The Jays also claimed the rebounding edge, 37-33, led by Megan Neuvirth's seven boards.
Memphis' Devin Necaise led all players with 24 points.
The Bluejays road win is their first since last Dec. 31, snapping an 11-game road skid. CU avoided its worst start in 25 years with the victory.
Creighton will look to build momentum when it returns to play after a nine-day break from game competition for finals. The Jays will close out their non-conference slate with three home games, starting with a contest against Oregon State next Friday, Dec. 15. CU and OSU will tip off at 8:05 p.m. at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
