Marshall University Athletics
Marshall Falls To American In Overtime
11/16/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Marshall Falls To American In Overtime
11/16/2001
WASHINGTON, D.C.?The Marshall University women?s basketball team (0-1) dropped their first game of the season Friday night, 89-87, to the American University Eagles (1-0) in a thrilling overtime contest in the first round of the Eagles? Tip-Off Classic.
American opened the game on an 11-0 after a made basket by Kathryn Costenbader at the 18:17 mark. Marshall finally put points on the board when junior Amy Reed (Schuylkill Haven, Pa.) made the Herd?s first basket of the game came with just under 18 minutes to go in the half. The Herd battled back, and with 6:18 to go in the first half, Ida Dotson?s (Tombstone, Ariz.) two made free throws gave Marshall their first lead of the game at 27-26. American answered Marshall, and with only three seconds to go in the first half, the Eagles took a three point lead, 36-33, on Kim Salem?s two free throws. On the last inbounds play of the half, the Herd?s Andrea Fitzgerald (Memphis, Ten.) drove the length of the floor and banked in a running three to tie the score at 36 entering the break. Marshall shot 52% from the floor in the first half.
The Eagles began the second half like they did the first, going on an 11-0 run to give American a 47-36 lead. The Herd again made a run at the Eagles, and eventually took the lead 76-74 with five seconds to go. But, as time expired, the Eagles? Damarah Ryhmer made a running layup to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, both teams battled back-and-forth, and with two made free throws by senior Melissa Arnold, the game was again tied at 87. American?s Katryn Costenbader then made the deciding two-pointer to give the Eagles? the winning margin. Marshall attempted a desperation inbounds play with eight tenths of a second to play on the clock, but could not get a shot off.
?I was proud of our kids. I thought we showed tremendous character tonight, considering our youth and a tough pressure situation,? said Coach Royce Chadwick. ?We battled back after those two early runs, and we finished extremely well.?
Marshall could not overcome the 33 turnovers they committed on the night. But, the Herd shot an impressive 54.7% from the floor. Marshall also had four players in double-figures. Au?Yana Ferguson led the Herd with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Amy Reed (15), Cassie Hackworth (14), Ida Dotson (12), and Andrea Fitzgerald (11) each tallied double-figures for Marshall.
Marshall takes on South Carolina State in the consolation game tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.
