Feb. 28, 2007

Box Score

DENVER - The No. 4-seeded University of Denver women's basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Sun Belt Conference tournament with a 65-41 win over No. 13-seeded Florida Atlantic on Wednesday evening in Magness Arena.

Junior Alisha Godette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) led all scorers with 19 points, including going 9-of-11 from the line. Senior Tyesha Lowery (Arlington, Texas) scored five points and six assists and two steals. She ties DU's single season steals record at 86.

"I thought it was another game where we received contributions from a variety of different players," head coach Pam Tanner said. "Alisha was outstanding on the offensive end, attacking the basket and hitting her free throws. I thought Brooke was the unsung hero. She came in and gave us a huge lift, on both sides of the ball, at the point position when Ty got tired."

Denver (19-10) forced Florida Atlantic (6-25) into 26 turnovers and held them to 26.2 percent shooting from the field. DU led by as many as 26 in the game and hit 6-of-20 from the free throw line.

DU began the second half with three turnovers allowing FAU to cut the lead to 12. Junior Jenna Cole (Lincoln, Neb.) hit a three to give DU a 17-point lead. The Owls capitalized on sloppy Pioneer play, including a steal under the FAU basket to cut the lead to 11. Godette scored straight points, on DU's next three possessions to extend the Pioneers' lead back to 17. Sophomore Nnenna Akotaobi (Thornton, Colo.) hit a three from the corner to push the lead to 20.

In the first half Denver pushed their lead to as many as 19, in part to an 11-2 run midway through the half. Godette led DU with eight points at the half. Denver's defense came up with nine steals and forced the Owls into 17 turnovers. The Owls did not take a three-point shot in the first half. Denver led 36-19 at the half.

FAU was led by Mistoria Brown with 11 points, all in the first half.

DU will face No. 5-seed UALR on Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m./3 p.m. CT in Lafayette, La.