The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Marquette
UAB Defeats C-USA Foe Marquette, 68-54
1/19/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 19, 2003
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. ----- UAB's Vanessa White hit a three-pointer with 16 minutes left in the first half to give the Lady Blazers a lead they never relinquished, as they beat the Marquette Golden Eagles, 68-54, here Sunday behind 25 points from sophomore Chantell Thomas.
UAB improved to 6-10 overall and 2-1 in C-USA while Marquette dropped to 9-6 overall and 1-2 in conference play.
UAB led 28-22 at the break as Chantell Thomas led the Lady Blazers, hitting for an impressive 15 points in the first half, including 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Lady Blazers hit 5-of-12 three pointers in the first half, for 41.7 percent. While Marquette's defense held UAB's Natasha Thomas and Michelle Smith's to two points apiece.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles were forced to spread out their defense and UAB's inside game took control. Michelle Smith tallied 13 points and 17 rebounds, including 11 points and 12 rebounds in the second half. Natasha Thomas finished the game with 11 points and 10 boards after being held to two points and three rebounds in the first 20 minutes.
The Lady Blazers improved their shooting, connecting on 6-of-14 from three-point land, for 42.9 percent. UAB was 20-of-52 from the floor and 22-of-27 from the charity stripe. The Lady Blazers also controlled the glass, owning a 42-30 advantage. UAB's biggest advantage was on the defensive boards, grabbing 27 compared to 19 by Marquette.
UAB's defense was apparent throughout the game, as the Golden Eagles shot just 11 from beyond the arc. Marquette also committed 15 turnovers and UAB grabbed eight steals.
UAB will be back in action on Friday, January 24, in Bartow Arena as it faces Louisville at 7:00 p.m.
