Michigan
2-2
Drake
3-1
Michigan Loses Lead Late, Drops Home Game to Drake
11/30/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan women's basketball team lost a 61-60 last-second heartbreaker to Drake this evening (Tuesday, Nov. 30) at Crisler Arena. In a contest in which the Bulldogs led for the first 8:46 of regulation, the Wolverines used a swarming defense to take control of the game and lead for the rest of the contest until the final seconds. After accumulating a commanding nine-point advantage over Drake late in the second half, the Bulldogs began chipping away at the Maize and Blue lead. With just under three minutes to go in the contest, only one possession stood between the two teams as Michigan was on top 58-55.
The Wolverines took a step forward after freshman point guard Becky Flippin (Springfield, Mo./Parkview HS) drained back-to-back free throws for a 60-55 Wolverine edge. Drake was not backing down, however, and came back with a field goal from Bulldog Linda Sayavongchanh to return to a three-point difference with just 1:04 remaining in regulation.
As the clock drained down, Michigan executed its offensive sets very well but could not finish. Sayavonchanh put up another two points but missed a bonus opportunity to trail Michigan by one with 44 seconds left in the contest. Again the Wolverines got a good look for senior forward Tabitha Pool (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron HS), but her 18-foot jumper rimmed out. Drake answered with two points on a turnaround jumper from Jill Martin with just nine second left on the clock. Following a timeout by Michigan coach Cheryl Burnett, the Wolverines got the ball to Pool for a tough three-pointer that did not fall.
Pool led the Wolverines (2-2) in scoring with 21 points, going 9-for-16 from the field and tying a season best with three triples. Pool has hit double figures in all of Michigan's regular-season contests.
Freshman forward Janelle Cooper (Detroit, Mich./Renaissance HS) also hit double digits for Michigan, connecting on 5-for-6 from the field and 4-for-7 from the charity stripe for a career-best 14 points. Freshman forward Ta'Shia Walker (Lansing, Mich./Sexton HS) rounded out the double-digit scoring with 11 and came away with six rebounds.
The contest got off to a slow start for both teams as the Wolverines and the Bulldogs combined for five points each through the first 4:30 minutes of play. While the Maize and Blue continued to struggle hitting their mark, Drake began to find a rhythm and established a small lead.
After trailing 12-7 with 11:36 remaining in the first, Michigan began to warm up as well. The Wolverines put together a four-minute, 13-2 run to gain their first lead of the contest. The drive was highlighted by back-to-back steals from Helvey, who dished off assists to Walker and Pool for a combined four points. The Wolverines' scoring burst left them with a comfortable 20-14 lead with 6:35 remaining in the half.
The teams traded baskets back and forth, with the Wolverines maintaining their lead. Pool led the Maize and Blue, responsible for nine of Michigan's 11 points to finish the half. The senior held 13 going into the locker room, leading the Maize and Blue who held a 29-25 lead.
The score was tight at the outset of the second half as the Bulldogs quickly put up a bucket for a two-point difference (29-27). Pool responded with a three-point shot, and the Wolverines modestly extended their lead. With a six-point advantage, Michigan hit back-to-back field goals under the hoop for a 10-point lead with 13:16 remaining.
The teams continued to trade hoops until the Wolverines held a nine-point advantage with five minutes left in the contest. The Bulldogs offense then came to life, hitting triples on consecutive trips to trim the lead to three (58-55) and set the stage for the final two minutes.
Michigan hits the road Friday (Dec. 3) for its next contest, traveling to Charlotte for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
Contact: Rich Marion (734) 763-4423
