March 6, 2003
WILMINGTON, N.C. - Old Dominion made six-of-seven free throw attempts in overtime as the Monarchs defeat UNC Wilmington, 51-48, before a school-record 2,254 fans in Colonial Athletic Association women's basketball action Thursday at Trask Coliseum.
Old Dominion improves to 17-10 overall and 14-3 in the CAA. The Seahawks had their seven-game winning streak halted and dip to 22-5 and 14-4. UNCW will have to wait until Sunday to learn its seed in next week's CAA Tournament in Norfolk, Va.
ODU's Sharesse Grant poured in 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting from the field to pace three players in double digits. Guard Okiesha Howard added 12 points, despite shooting 2-for-18 from the floor, and forward Monique Coker posted a double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Junior guard Cherie Lea held game-high honors with 17 points and hauled in eight rebounds.
Trailing 21-20 at the intermission, UNCW opened the half with a 7-0 run and matched its largest lead of the game, 27-21, with 17:50 remaining. Shameka Montgomery and Lea sandwiched two-pointers around a triple by Jennifer Kapper to key the outburst.
ODU forced the first of three second half ties, at 31-all, on a short jumper by Corrina Turner at 11:51. Monique Coker followed with a put back at 11:14 to give the Monarchs a 33-31 lead.
With UNCW leading, 39-35, with 4:59 left, ODU held the Seahawks scoreless the rest of the half and tied the game at 39-all on a basket by Grant. Both teams had chances to win the game in the final minute but came up empty.
In the extra session, ODU grabbed its first lead since the middle of the second half, 43-42 with 1:43 on the clock, on a Turner basket. The Monarchs built the lead to five, 47-42, but Lea answered twice with 3-pointers to keep UNCW in the game. Her second trey moved the Seahawks to within 49-48 with 12 second left.
Howard converted 4-of-5 free throw attempts in the final 23 seconds to ice the game for the Monarchs.
Old Dominion closes its regular season Mar. 9 at William & Mary in a 2 p.m. tip-off.