By: Jackson Wolek / Staff Writer
The FIU women’s basketball team( 5-8) could not orchestrate a comeback in the second half of play against Marquette(11-2), as they ended the game with just eight assists and 23 turnovers in a 73-67 loss on Dec. 29 at the Sun and Fun Classic held at the U.S Century Bank Arena.
In the first half of play, Marquette made their size advantage over FIU evident from the start, as they focused on the inside game. By taking the lead quickly, thanks to a 11-2 run due in part to scoring at ease in the paint and a fastbreak offense that outscored FIU 14-2 in the first half, the Golden Eagles seemed to grab control and never looked back.
In the last few minutes of action, FIU was able to stop the bleeding with some great play by Finda Mansare, who scored seven points in the first half and had four boards. The first half ended with some disappointing defense from FIU, though, as they saw what would be a ten point comeback turn into a 14 point one in a matter of a minute.
Freshmen standout Jerica Coley had just four points in the first half, but in exchange , the point leader for Marquette, Angel Robinson, had only three.
“We tried to contain her just like everybody else. We knew she really wasn’t a jump shooter, but we knew she could shoot,” said Coley on the defensive strategy of Robinson.
She ended the night right around where her average is with 12 points in all. It was really the inside presence of Katherine Plouffe and Sarina Simmons that hurt FIU the most.
They were able to open up the second half strong, and got as close as eight points when Coley put in a lay up with 6:42 remaining in the game.The game never seemed to change much in the second half though, as FIU was never able to get the key stops needed to make a real run. Although they got Marquette into the bonus rather early, it could not be used as an advantage.The game became really close in the winding seconds as FIU was down by four with nine seconds left. They then proceeded to send Paige Fiedorowicz to the line. After she made both of her free throws, it became a two possession game with seven seconds remaining. Coley, possibly not knowing the situation at hand, went right down the court for a layup, which in turn made what was a two possession game. Coley ended the game with a team high 18 points.
“I don’t think I was too aggressive in the first half, I didn’t drive as much,” said Coley on her Jackal and Hide type performance for the game.
When asked what she told the team after the game, coach Russo said: “I didn’t say much because it’s the same scenario. They’re not listening enough to win.”
FIU will now take on Georgia Thursday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. at home. This will be the third place game as Georgia lost to Louisiana Tech 77-62 .
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