Mountaineers Earn Win Over La Salle
November 30, 2011 10:26 PM | General
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. - Led by sophomore guard Taylor Palmer’s 20-point performance, the West Virginia women’s basketball team defeated La Salle, 63-52, on Wednesday night at the Coliseum.
After bringing a 13-point lead into the half, the Mountaineers (4-2) had to hold off a brief second half surge from the Explorers (2-6) to capture the win as a layup from La Salle’s Alexis Scott brought the score to 47-41, and jumpstarted the team’s offense with 9:20 remaining in regulation.
The Explorers would then score seven more points to bring them within six points of the lead at 53-48. But timely back-to-back threes from Palmer with 4:47 remaining would keep West Virginia ahead, 59-48, and La Salle would be unable to attempt another rally after that point.
The game marked Palmer’s fourth-straight double-digit scoring performance and fifth overall, as she continues to pace the team. She was followed by junior Asya Bussie, who posted 18 points, and senior Natalie Burton who rounded out the top three scorers, providing a spark for the Mountaineer offense with 10 points, all during the first half.
“Asya had 18 points tonight,” coach Carey said. “Taylor hit some good shots. Linda (Stepney) came in and did some good things. If you notice, Linda set up all five (of Natalie’s) buckets. She penetrated her man and then Natalie caught the ball and scored.”
West Virginia would finish the game 43.9 percent (25-of-57) from the field and 28.6 percent (4-of-14) from beyond the arc. The team took advantage of La Salle fouls, going 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the charity stripe.
“When YaYa (Dunning) got in foul trouble in the first half, that is when we heated them up a little bit and got layups and turnovers,” said Carey.
In comparison, La Salle started the game shooting only 33.3 percent (8-of-24) from the field. In the second half, however, they began to heat up and shot 46.2 percent (12-of-26). Although they would only sink two 3-pointers, the Explorers shot 58.8 percent (10-of-17) from the free throw line.
“We just didn’t get any breaks because we fouled them most of the second half, we stood around, they scored, we didn’t defend and we didn’t get a break,” said Carey.
The Mountaineers won the rebound battle, notching 39 boards to La Salle’s 30. Freshman Crystal Leary led the team in rebounding for the second consecutive game, pulling down 10 rebounds, six defensively and four offensively. She was followed by Jess Harlee who grabbed seven.
West Virginia also forced 18 turnovers from which they were able to score 20 points. On the other side of the ball, La Salle caused 16 turnovers, capitalizing with 16 points.
Overall, the Mountaineers were able to limit the Explorers to just 52 points, extending their streak of holding all opponents this season to under 60 points.
“It is not all negative,” said Carey. “It is just frustrating because we struggled to score. We will get it. We have good girls. They work hard in practice and we will get better.”
Alexis Scott and Brittany Wilson led La Salle in scoring, with 21 and 13 points, respectively.
West Virginia returns to action at the Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 3, playing host to Boston University in a 4 p.m. tip.
Live video and stats for Saturday’s game will be provided by MSNsportsNet.com.
After bringing a 13-point lead into the half, the Mountaineers (4-2) had to hold off a brief second half surge from the Explorers (2-6) to capture the win as a layup from La Salle’s Alexis Scott brought the score to 47-41, and jumpstarted the team’s offense with 9:20 remaining in regulation.
The Explorers would then score seven more points to bring them within six points of the lead at 53-48. But timely back-to-back threes from Palmer with 4:47 remaining would keep West Virginia ahead, 59-48, and La Salle would be unable to attempt another rally after that point.
The game marked Palmer’s fourth-straight double-digit scoring performance and fifth overall, as she continues to pace the team. She was followed by junior Asya Bussie, who posted 18 points, and senior Natalie Burton who rounded out the top three scorers, providing a spark for the Mountaineer offense with 10 points, all during the first half.
“Asya had 18 points tonight,” coach Carey said. “Taylor hit some good shots. Linda (Stepney) came in and did some good things. If you notice, Linda set up all five (of Natalie’s) buckets. She penetrated her man and then Natalie caught the ball and scored.”
West Virginia would finish the game 43.9 percent (25-of-57) from the field and 28.6 percent (4-of-14) from beyond the arc. The team took advantage of La Salle fouls, going 56.3 percent (9-of-16) from the charity stripe.
“When YaYa (Dunning) got in foul trouble in the first half, that is when we heated them up a little bit and got layups and turnovers,” said Carey.
In comparison, La Salle started the game shooting only 33.3 percent (8-of-24) from the field. In the second half, however, they began to heat up and shot 46.2 percent (12-of-26). Although they would only sink two 3-pointers, the Explorers shot 58.8 percent (10-of-17) from the free throw line.
“We just didn’t get any breaks because we fouled them most of the second half, we stood around, they scored, we didn’t defend and we didn’t get a break,” said Carey.
The Mountaineers won the rebound battle, notching 39 boards to La Salle’s 30. Freshman Crystal Leary led the team in rebounding for the second consecutive game, pulling down 10 rebounds, six defensively and four offensively. She was followed by Jess Harlee who grabbed seven.
West Virginia also forced 18 turnovers from which they were able to score 20 points. On the other side of the ball, La Salle caused 16 turnovers, capitalizing with 16 points.
Overall, the Mountaineers were able to limit the Explorers to just 52 points, extending their streak of holding all opponents this season to under 60 points.
“It is not all negative,” said Carey. “It is just frustrating because we struggled to score. We will get it. We have good girls. They work hard in practice and we will get better.”
Alexis Scott and Brittany Wilson led La Salle in scoring, with 21 and 13 points, respectively.
West Virginia returns to action at the Coliseum on Saturday, Dec. 3, playing host to Boston University in a 4 p.m. tip.
Live video and stats for Saturday’s game will be provided by MSNsportsNet.com.
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