Michigan
Lake Superior State (ex)
Michigan Dominates Lake Superior in Exhibition Victory
11/3/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Crisler Arena)
Score: Michigan 80, Lake Superior State 51
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Nov. 10 -- vs. Akron (Crisler Arena), 7p.m.
Boxscore | Notes & Quotes
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team began the Kevin Borseth era on a winning note thanks a resounding 80-51 exhibition victory over Lake Superior State Saturday evening (Nov. 3)at Crisler Arena. The Wolverines gave a spirited effort on both ends of the floor, shooting over 50 percent (30-of-59) while limiting the Lakers to nearly 38 percent (17-of-45). The Maize and Blue converted on easy scoring opportunities for a majority of the night due to a 41-28 advantage on the glass.
Senior Janelle Cooper(Detroit, Mich./Renaissance HS) and junior Carly Benson(Carney, Mich./Carney-Nadeau Public School) paced the offensive attack, finishing with 19 and 15 points, respectively, and combining for all six of Michigan's three-point field goals. Sophomore Krista Phillips(Saskatoon, Saskatchewan/Aden Bowman Collegiate HS) put up seven points, eight rebounds and two steals in 12 minutes, and senior Ta'Shia Walker(Lansing, Mich./J.W. Sexton HS) pulled down a game-high 10 boards to go along with four points off the bench.
The Wolverines quickly mounted a 14-4 lead in the first 5:50 of the game, with Benson nailing two of her three triples in the first 4:32 of play. Walker and junior Jessica Minnfield(Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic HS) stepped up and scored half of the team's next 16 points, allowing Michigan to extend its lead to 30-16 with 5:02 left until the break. Cooper closed out the first half by pouring in eight of U-M's final 12 points to send the Wolverines into the locker room with a 42-28 cushion.
Michigan sustained its intensity in the second half, with a stifling Wolverine defense holding the Lakers scoreless until the 7:22 mark while Benson and Cooper netted 13 of the team's first 26 points in the period. U-M continued to produce on the offensive end during Lake Superior State's drought, pushing the lead to 40 points (71-31) with 6:59 to play. Borseth gave his remaining reserves time on the court in the closing minutes of the game, including senior Katie Dierdorf(St. Louis, Mo./Visitation Academy) and freshman Veronica Hicks(Chicago, Ill./Thornwood HS). Dierdorf, who saw her first action since suffering a hip injury midway through last season, finished with three points and one rebound in seven minutes. Hicks posted two points and one board in her collegiate debut.
The Wolverines open the regular season next Saturday (Nov. 10) at home against Akron. The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. startat Crisler Arena and can be heard live on radio station WLBY (AM 1290).
Contact: Marc Ressler (734) 763-4423
