Feb. 15, 2004

Box Score

Despite valiant efforts from Stephanie Hart (Shoreline, Wash.) and Tyesha Lowery (Arlington, Texas), the University of Denver women's basketball team lost to Middle Tennessee (68-56) Sunday at Magness Arena. The Pioneers fall to 11-12, 4-7 on the season, while Middle Tennessee improves to 17-6, 7-3.

Hart notched her second double-double of the season with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Lowery contributed a career-high tying 18 points and four assists. The only other Pioneer in double-figure scoring was Tasha Jones (San Antonio, Texas) who finished with 14 points on 5-15 from the field.

"You can't say anymore about how Steph Hart is playing right now," Denver Head Coach Pam Tanner said. "You just can't ask for anymore from her. Tyesha is really playing well now, too. We just need to find a consistent rotation of players who we can count on."

Middle Tennessee got out to a 12-5 lead and built a 10-point margin before the Pioneers closed the gap to trail by four points at the half. Middle gradually built a 10-point lead by the midway point of the second half, and the Pioneers could get no closer, relinquishing a 12-point decision.

After the Lady Raiders got out to a 12-5 lead, Lowery sparked a 9-3 Denver run to bring the Pioneers within four points of the lead. Middle responded with a 10-5 run of their own, but Hart answered to call. Hart scored six straight points to cut the Lady Raider lead to five points (30-25) and Lowery finished the half with a conventional three-point play. Denver trailed by just four points at the half (32-28). Hart finished the first half with 12 points, and eight rebounds, and Lowery added eight points to pace the Pioneers. Middle shot 50 percent from the field in the first half, but Denver caused 12 turnovers and took eight steals.

In the second half, Denver struggled to find the bottom of the net, and allowed Middle to slowly gain a 10-point lead. The Pioneers shot just 32.8 percent from the field while Middle shot a blazing 57.1 percent. Tia Stovall notched 23 points, and Krystle Justice scored 15 points and Patrice Holmes added 12 points. Denver caused 26 Lady Raider turnovers and took 15 steals, led by seven thefts by Hart.

Denver next heads into a pivotal week of Sun Belt Conference play when they travel to West Division foes North Texas (Feb. 19) and New Mexico State (Feb. 21). North Texas is third in the West Division standings, while New Mexico State is tied with Denver and New Orleans for fourth place.