LAS VEGAS, Nev. – In the first ever meeting between Old Dominion (6-3) and Miami (Ohio), the Lady Monarchs took down the RedHawks (2-6) by a score of 69-63 at the South Point Arena as part of the 2014 South Point Holiday Hoops Classic.
Ashley Betz-White finished the contest with 13 points, six rebounds, six assists, and five steals in the winning effort, while Jennie Simms led all scorers with 19 points to compliment her five rebounds. Also in double figures for the Lady Monarchs was Chelisa Painter with 12 points and five rebounds. Odegua Oigbokie finished the contest with eight points and five boards.
The Lady Monarchs jumped out to a 12-8 advantage at the first media timeout with 15:34 showing on the game-clock. Old Dominion stretched its lead to 19-12 with 11:42 remaining in the opening half.
ODU continued to lead Miami (Ohio), as the Lady Monarchs held a 31-23 advantage over the RedHawks with 7:33 to play in the first half. At the last media timeout, Old Dominion led 35-28 with 3:40 remaining in regulation.
Miami (Ohio) cut into its deficit right before halftime, but the Lady Monarchs still held onto a 36-32 advantage heading into the locker rooms.
Jennie Simms led all scorers at the half with 12 points to go along with five rebounds in 13 minutes of work. Also in double figures at halftime for Old Dominion was Chelisa Painter with 10 points (3-5 FG, 4-6 FT). Jessica Rupright (five rebounds in 12 minutes) led the way for the RedHawks in the first half, which experienced two early lead changes and two ties.
Old Dominion connected on 14-41 (34.1%) of its first half field goals, 4-8 (50%) from three and 4-6 (66.7%) from the free-throw line. Miami (Ohio) knocked down 44% (11-25) from the floor in the opening half, 25% (2-8) from long-range and 8-8 (100%) from the charity stripe.
The first media timeout of the second half (16:13) presented a 47-39 lead for the Lady Monarchs. The RedHawks cut into their deficit by the second media timeout of the second half with 11:59 remaining in regulation.
The second to last media timeout of the contest was whistled with 7:52 to play as Old Dominion led Miami (Ohio) by a score of 55-49. ODU led 66-58 at the last media timeout, with 3:17 remaining in regulation.
Miami (Ohio) would get the score to 68-63 with just over 20 seconds to play, before LaQuanda Younger and the Lady Monarchs sealed the deal at the charity stripe, giving ODU a 69-63 victory.
Three RedHawks finished in double-figures: Jessica Rupright (14 points and nine rebounds), Ana Richter (10 points, five rebounds) and Kayla Brown (10 points and four rebounds). Hannah McCue finished the contest with nine points, a game-high 12 rebounds and four assists.
For the ballgame, Old Dominion shot 34.2% (25-73) from the floor, 41.2% (7-17) from downtown and 57.1% (12-21) from the charity stripe. Miami (Ohio) shot 38.7% (24-62) from the floor, 29.4% (5-17) from three and a perfect 10-10 (100%) from the free-throw line.
NEXT UP FOR THE LADY MONARCHS
Old Dominion will be right back in action tomorrow, Dec. 21, against UIC to close out the 2014 South Point Holiday Hoops Classic for both teams. Tomorrow’s tipoff is slated for 9:30 p.m. EST.
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