|
Sunday, March 9, 2003
South Alabama ends FIU's
title hopes
 aneisha
Russell scored a game-high 23 points to lead South Alabama over
Florida International, 74-57, in the quarterfinals of the 2003
Aeropostale Sun Belt Conference Tournament in Bowling Green,
Ky.
FIU - playing with seven players averaging more than five
minutes a game - fell victim to foul trouble early as Dace Cinite,
Cormisha Cotton and Ivelina Vrancheva all picked up three fouls
in the first half.
The Golden Panthers did not shoot a free throw in the first
half while USA was 13-18 from the line, helping the Jaguars to
a 32-28 lead at intermission.
USA then opened the second half with a 12-4 run, and FIU would
not get any closer, falling behind by as many as 21 late in the
second period.
"USA took us out of our game and completely shut us down,"
said FIU guard Mandy Shafer. "We couldn't get into our rhythm."
FIU head coach Cindy Russo was disappointed with the team's
effort.
"It definitely wasn't our 'A' game," said Russo.
"We just didn't play with any heart. We have been an excellent
rebounding team, and we didn't go after any rebounds."
Seniors Anita Heller and Mandy Shafer each scored 15 points,
and sophomore Milena Tomova posted her first career double-double
with 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Golden Panthers.
FIU (19-10) will hope for a bid into the Women's National
Invitation Tournament while USA (19-9) advances to face host
Western Kentucky in the semifinals on Monday at 2:30 p.m. EST.
"I don't want to be done playing," said Shafer. |