Box Score Dec. 31, 2004
Final Stats
The University of Denver women's basketball team finished 2004 with a 63-39 loss at Gonzaga University at the McCarthey Athletic Center today. Denver falls to 2-9 on the season, while Gonzaga improves to 10-2 and extended it's winning streak to six games.
"They are 38th in the RPI right now, and they are ranked there for a reason," Head Coach Pam Tanner said. "I'm disappointed in the loss and disappointed in the poor shooting, but I'm optimistic for the future for this team. We played some serious defense especially in the second half. Our defense is coming along really well. I thought we got a moral victory tonight, and I know that most coaches with experienced teams do not count moral victories. With an inexperienced team, sometimes you need to consider moral victories."
The Pioneers scored their first basket eight minutes into the game, and continued to struggle to find the bottom of the net, falling behind by 22 points by intermission. Denver was without the services of second-leading scorer, Tasha Jones (San Antonio, Texas), who was sidelined due to illness. Without Jones, Denver's roster dwindled to seven players.
After getting out to a 12-0 lead to start the game, Gonzaga continued to dominate the first half. The Pioneers shot just 25 percent from the field while Gonzaga shot 48 percent in the first half. In the second half, Sara Benham (Muleshoe, Texas) connected on back-to-back buckets to shave the Bulldogs' lead to 52-34 with eight minutes to play. Denver battled to a 27-25 score in the second period, but the first half deficit was too much to overcome.
Senior forward Venice Adams (Luling, La.) led the Pioneers with 10 points, and Benham finished with eight points and six rebounds. Three Bulldogs chipped in 11 points apiece to pace the home team - Anne Bailey, Stephanie Hawk and Raeanna Jewell.
Gonzaga shot 48.1 percent from the field, while Denver made 31.4 percent of its shots. The Bulldogs earned a 43-25 advantage on the boards as well.
The Pioneers will complete the non-conference portion of their schedule by traveling to in-state foe Colorado State on Jan. 4, 2005 for a 7 p.m. (MT) tip.
