Michigan
Iowa
Wolverines Overpower Hawkeyes for 20th Win
2/24/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team extended its winning streak to seven games with a 78-61 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Thursday evening (Feb. 24) in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The seven consecutive wins ties the second longest streak in school history.
It was a total team effort for the Wolverines (20-6 overall, 12-3 Big Ten), as four players scored in double figures in the victory. Centers LeeAnn Bies (Lakeview, Mich./Lakeview HS) and Alison Miller (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven HS) led the way with 15 points apiece, while Raina Goodlow (Detroit, Mich./Dominican HS) contributed 14 and Anne Thorius (Horsholm, Denmark/Rungsted Gymnasium) had 12.
The Wolverines jumped out of the gate quickly. U-M went on a 22-5 run to start the game, thanks in part to five points by Bies and four points each by Stacey Thomas (Flint, Mich./Southwestern Academy) and Goodlow. Iowa's Lindsey Meder finally got the Hawkeyes' first basket at the 14:31 mark.
Michigan turned in a solid defensive performance in the first half. Just 8:05 into the contest, U-M was holding Iowa to 10.0 percent (2-of-20) shooting, while the Wolverines were connecting on 50.0 percent (13-of-26) of their shots. Iowa stayed in the contest by connecting on 5-of-7 free throw attempts.
Five straight points by Cara Consuegra helped Iowa cut the lead to 34-16. Lindsay Meder added a driving layup as the Hawkeyes pulled with 16 (34-18) with 3:34 remaining. The Hawkeyes closed the first half on a 8-3 run to pull within 14 (38-24) heading into the second half.
U-M continued to turn it on in the second half, going on a 12-6 run to open the period. After a pair of free throws by Thorius, the Wolverines held a 52-30 advantage with 14:43 remaining.
Michigan continued to add to its lead, holding a 72-48 advantage with 4:05 remaining. Miller connected a pair of free throws to give U-M a 24-point advantage. After an Iowa basket, Goodlow answered with a running jumper as U-M rebuilt the 24-point advantage.
Iowa (9-16 overall, 6-9 Big Ten) was led by Meder with 23 points and Consuegra with 21. The Hawkeyes shot just 29.0 percent (18-of-62) for the game.
The Wolverines close out the regular season by playing host to Northwestern this Sunday (Feb. 27) at 2 p.m. at Crisler Arena. Sunday's game will also mark Senior Day activities for the Wolverine trio of Alison Miller, Stacey Thomas and Kenisha Walker (Grand Rapids, Mich./Creston HS).
N O T E S
Michigan's "new" jersey ... Michigan, which likes to wear maize on the road, ended up wearing its practice jersey for the game against Iowa. The Hawkeyes wear gold as their home jersey color, and in order to avoid confusion, the Wolverines put on their blue practice tank tops.
With the win over Iowa, Michigan set a new program standard for Big Ten Conference wins in a season with 12. U-M broke the previous mark of 11, set by the 1989-90 squad.
Michigan also picked up its 20th win of the season. The 20 wins tie the school record for wins in a season, also set by the 1989-90 team.
Michigan used its entire 11-player roster in the win over Iowa.
Q U O T E S
Michigan Head Coach Sue Guevara
On Iowa's defense ... "I thought Iowa did a nice job defending Stacey Thomas. One of the keys to the game was establishing an inside game by Michigan. It is the first game this season, that our three post players (Alison Miller, LeeAnn Bies and Raina Goodlow) scored in double figures. We knew it was going to be a tough game. Iowa has been hot as of late. We are just glad to get out of here with a win."
Contact: Becky Olsen (734) 763-4423
