NORFOLK, Va. – The Old Dominion University women’s basketball team fell to the UTEP Miners, 65-55, in front of a crowd of 3,972 at the Ted Constant Convocation Center for ODU’s 12th annual Hoops for the Cure game.
“This was such a great atmosphere, the Ted was electric tonight. Our team fought really hard and showed growth throughout the game. We are so close. We will keep believing and continue to improve everyday,” Old Dominion head coach Karen Barefoot said after the game.
Old Dominion got off to a quick start with different starters, as Galaisha Goodhope, Becca Allison, Odegua Oigbokie, Chelisa Painter and Shae Kelley got the starting nod on Saturday night.
In the first half, the Lady Monarchs (11-14, 4-7) forced a UTEP (20-4, 9-2) timeout with 5:40 remaining after claiming the game’s largest lead to that point, 25-19. At the final media timeout (3:36) of the first half, ODU stretched their lead to 10 points (29-19).
Old Dominion would take a 33-25 advantage into the locker rooms after the first 20 minutes of play, behind Shae Kelley’s 10 points, which led all scorers.
In the second half, the Miners would start the second half on 22-9 run to claim a 47-42 lead with 8:55 showing on the game-clock. With 4:01 remaining, UTEP possessed their largest lead to that point (54-48), before Cameasha Parker was whistled for a technical foul. Just 24 seconds later, LaQuanda Younger drilled a three-pointer which tied the ballgame at 54-54.
UTEP would respond by closing the game on an 11-1 run to go on to 65-55 victory over the Lady Monarchs.
Old Dominion’s junior forward Shae Kelley netted 19 points to go along wioth eight rebounds, two assists and two steals. Odegua Oigbokie came up one point shy of a new career-high, as she went for 10 points and three rebounds on Saturday night. Chelisa Painter finished the game with seven boards, while hauling down nine rebounds.
UTEP’s Kayla Thornton led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Also in double figures for the Miners were Jenzel Nash (17 points and six rebounds) and Chrishauna Parker (10 points and 10 rebounds.
For the game, UTEP shot 37.9% (22-58) from the floor, 26.3% (5-19) from three and 76.2% (16-21) from the free-throw line. Old Dominion hit 28.3% (17-60) of their shot attempts, 5.6% (1-18) from downtown and 58.8% (20-34) from the charity stripe.
Saturday also marked the one-year anniversary of ODU’s assistant to head coach, Sara Jones’ death. Jones bravely battled breast cancer for 12 years before passing away at age 40.
First Half Notes
At the half, ODU held an eight point advantage (33-25). Old Dominion outrebounded the Miners 25-16 and took advantage of their 11 half first offensive rebounds, as they scored eight second chance points. UTEP was led by Kayla Thornton and Chrishauna Parker, who each netted eight points.
For the half, ODU connected on 14-36 field goals (38.9%), went 0-8 from three and knocked down five of their eight free throws (62.5%). As a team, UTEP shot 35.7% (10-28) from the floor, 11.1% (1-9) from downtown and hit all four of their first half free three attempts.
Next up for the Lady Monarchs
The Old Dominion women’s basketball team will hit the road for two games in Texas. On Wednesday, the Lady Monarchs will take on the Rice Owls in Houston at 8:00 p.m. EST. Then on Saturday, ODU will square-off with the UTSA Roadrunners, which will also be a 8:00 p.m. tipoff.
Next Karen Barefoot Coach’s Show
The next Karen Barefoot Coach’s Show will be Monday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m. at YNot Pizza and Italian Cuisine in the University Village, hosted by the Voice of the Lady Monarchs, Doug Ripley, on ESPN Radio 94.1.
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