Michigan
Xavier
Pool Pours in 33 Points to Lead Wolverines Past Xavier
12/21/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team evened its record at 6-6 on the season with a 65-56 victory over Xavier University this afternoon (Sunday, Dec. 21) at Crisler Arena. Junior forward Tabitha Pool (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron HS) was instrumental in the Michigan victory, scoring a career-high 33 points on 13-17 shooting, including three triples, while tearing down a game-best 13 boards.
| | Pool notched 33 points and 13 rebounds for her third double-double of the season. |
Pool accounted for six of the first seven Wolverine points. After back-to-back hoops left the score 6-5 in favor of the Musketeers, Michigan took and kept the lead with 16:07 left in the half. After a layup by Pool, senior center Jennifer Smith (Lansing, Mich./Dewitt HS) took advantage of back-to-back Xavier fouls, connecting with three of four free throws and giving Michigan a four-point lead (10-6).
Sophomore guard Niki Reams (Jenison, Mich./Jenison HS) also contributed, coming down with two offensive rebounds along with three assists, feeding the ball to Pool twice for quick layups. Pool stayed steady throughout the half, putting up 18 points on 7-10 shooting with three free throws and six rebounds. Senior forward Stephanie Gandy (Detroit, Mich./Northern HS) also helped the cause, scoring seven points on 3-6 shooting in the first frame.
Although the Wolverines were able to maintain a lead for the rest of the half, Xavier threatened to capture it as the clock ran down. With 3:58 left to play, Michigan found itself up by only two points after a Musketeer triple took the score to 27-25 in favor of the Wolverines.
Michigan turned it up, starting an 11-0 run with 3:34 left in the half. Four Wolverines connected for baskets, with three Michigan possessions ending in conventional three-point opportunities, including two from Pool. Michigan's response to Xavier cutting the lead to two established a 38-25 lead at the end of the half and sent a confident group of Wolverines into the locker room after one of their best halves of the season.
The Wolverines were able to continue their momentum at the start of the second half, keeping the Musketeers at bay with a 17-point lead after five minutes of play. Pool accounted for six of the eight points Michigan put on the board, aided by Smith, who connected for a two-point jumper.
Xavier clamped down on defense and kept Michigan off the scoreboard for 5:30 midway through the second frame. During the Wolverine drought, Xavier netted four hoops, including three triples, for an 11-0 run of their own that brought the deficit back to four (46-42) with 10:25 left. Michigan was really struggling on the offensive end until Pool finally responded with a triple at the 9:13 mark with the shot clock winding down. After another basket by Pool off a feed from junior forward BreAnne McPhilamy (Portage, Mich./Portage Northern), the Wolverines found themselves back up by nine (51-42) lead with 8:19 remaining.
The Wolverines held steady for the rest of the contest, never allowing their lead to drop below seven. Two three-point shots off the bench from sophomore guard Mie Burlin (Skovlunde, Denmark/BMS) helped Michigan keep its lead. Pool continued her strong showing, hitting a triple of her own as well as a free throw to raise her point total to 33 on the day. Then with 15 seconds remaining, Reams hit two free throws to cap off the Michigan scoring.
Michigan will take a one-week break before returning to the road to face Detroit-Mercy on Sunday, Dec. 28 (2 p.m.) at Calihan Hall in what will be the Wolverines' final tuneup before the Big Ten campaign begins Jan. 1 (7 p.m. CST) at Minnesota.
Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423
