Nov. 27, 2008
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ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The University of Iowa women’s basketball team enjoyed a Thanksgiving Day feast at the expense of previously unbeaten Texas Tech,56-48, this evening in first-round action of the Paradise Jam at University of the Virgin Islands.
The Red Raiders entered the game with a 4-0 record and a scoring average of 75.8 points per game. With the victory, Iowa improved to 4-1 and has now won three consecutive games. It was the first-ever meeting between the schools.
UI senior Wendy Ausdemore posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes. She has scored 996 points in her career.
“This was a really good win for us against a team from the Big 12 Conference,” UI head coach Lisa Bluder said. “Our zone defense was very good today. I was happy to see Wendy Ausdemore come out and contribute so much.”
Texas Tech, a team that thrives in the transition game, did not have any fast break points against Iowa.
Bluder was also pleased with the contributions of freshman Kelly Krei, who played 32 minutes. Krei scored seven points with four rebounds. Kristi Smith netted 15 points with two assists and two steals and Kachine Alexander scored eight points with five rebounds and two assists.
Ausdemore’s three-point field goal gave Iowa some cushion at 37-29 with 13:22 left in the game. The Hawkeyes continued a 16-1 run with two Ausdemore baskets as they pulled out to a 43-30 advantage. Iowa opened a 50-35 lead with 7:44 remaining and managed to maintain a 15-point lead for most of the later stages of the second half. Two made free throws by Krei put Iowa up by 17 points (56-39). Texas Tech went on a late run to make the final margin eight points.
“Obviously Texas Tech didn’t shoot the ball well,” Bluder said. “I hope part of it was our defense. I think we shook them early.”
The Hawkeyes made 19 of 46 field goals (41.3 percent), compared to just 15 of 60 shooting for Texas Tech (25.0). Iowa was also 5 of 11 from three-point range and 13 of 17 from the free throw line. The Red Raiders made 3 of 20 three-point attempts (15.0) and 15 of 29 free throws (51.7).
Iowa led 25-23 after the first 20 minutes in what evolved into an intense, low-scoring game. The Hawkeyes made 9 of 25 (26.0 percent) field goals in the first half and were led in scoring by Ausdemore with seven points. Smith added six points and Skouby scored four points with six rebounds, two assists, two blocked shots and a steal. Iowa Held a 20-19 edge in rebounding.
Sophomore Kelsey Cermak overcame back stiffness to play the final two-plus minutes for her first action of the season.
Iowa plays 5-0 South Florida tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 28) at 5 p.m. (Iowa time). An audio broadcast of the game is available within the All-Access player inside hawkeyesports.com. Fans of the Hawkeyes can watch a live web stream by purchasing a day pass for $9.95 through www.paradisejam.com.
“South Florida is a team very, very similar to Texas tech, except their guards shoot the ball a little better,” Bluder said.