The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
UAB
Louisiana-Monroe
Blazers Drop Heartbreaker At Louisiana-Monroe, 70-68
11/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 22, 2005
MONROE, La. - Louisiana-Monroe's Aishie Banks hit two free throws with six seconds left to lead the Lady Indians to a 70-68 win over the UAB women's basketball team here Tuesday evening.
The Blazers (0-2) were up 68-65 with less than a minute left, but Louisiana-Monroe (2-0) scored a three-pointer and hit two free throws for the win.
"I'm extremely proud of this team right now," said UAB head coach Audra Smith. "I don't think I've ever been as proud of a team as I am of this one tonight. They fought to the very end. They gave us every single thing they had. They had so much energy and enthusiasm. It was a great game with great atmosphere. Although we didn't come out with a victory, I truly believe that we're about to turn the corner as a team and do big things in this program. All the players gave us 100% and they fought to the end. I can't ask for more."
UAB had an impressive offensive game, hitting 47.9 percent of its shots, including 57.1 percent in the second half. Crystal McFadden led the Blazers with 16 points, while Carmen Guzman added 12 off the bench.
Additionally, UAB dominated in the paint, tallying 36 points compared to 24 by the Lady Indians. The Blazers also got critical help from their bench, as four players contributed 27 points. UAB did struggle from beyond the arc, hitting only two of eight attempts.
Louisiana-Monroe was led by Banks' 20 points and 10 rebounds. The Lady Indians also had 13 steals and forced 20 Blazer turnovers for 23 points.
UAB hosts Jackson State on Monday, November 28 at 7 p.m.
