Marshall University Athletics
Women's Basketball Opens Conference USA Action at Memphis
1/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 5, 2011
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - Conference USA action jumpstarts for Marshall women's hoops on Thursday, Jan. 6, as the Thundering Herd travels to Memphis to take on the Tigers in the Herd's first contest of the new year. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m., at Fed Ex Forum.
"New slate, new schedule, new beginning is what conference play brings," head coach Royce Chadwick. "It's a transition time of the year for us because we are trying to start some new people to fill in some roles that we are missing due to injury. A lot of young players getting a lot of quality time and quality minutes, which will pay us huge dividends in March."
Marshall grabbed its fourth win of the season (4-8) as it sent four players into double-figures, in the midst of three players reaching double-doubles en route to a 79-69 win against Elon on Thursday. Junior Alaya Mitchell had herself a career-night finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and four steals. Veronica Ruiz exploded in the second half, recording nine points while pulling down eight offensive rebounds.
Tynikki Crook continued her outstanding December production concluding the night with 21 points and 11 rebounds for her 23rd career double-double and moving into sixth place on Marshall's all-time scoring list. The senior averaged 21.1 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game in the month of December, shooting 56.3 percent from the field. Crook ranks 24th in Division I in scoring, 33rd in field goal percentage and 62nd in rebounds.
Memphis on paper presents an evenly matched contest for the Herd. Despite its 11-3 record, the Tigers show similar numbers to those of Marshall. Each shooting 24.5% from three point land, about 40% from the floor and 64% from the free throw line. However, Memphis rides an eight-game win streak coming into Thursday's matchup, having won four consecutive games at home.
In its latest contest the Tigers posted a convincing 83-64 victory against Jackson State. Brittany Carter finished with a game-high 13 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the floor. Carter and Jasmine Lee lead Memphis, averaging double-figures thus far this season.
