University of Massachusets Athletics
Women's Basketball Defeats Duquesne, 55-47
February 11, 2001 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 11, 2001
AMHERST, Mass. - Freshman Paige Harris (Rochester, Mich.) led all UMass scorers with 11 points as the University of Massachusetts knocked off Duquesne University, 55-47, in Atlantic 10 women's basketball action today at the Mullins Center.
Senior Kathy Coyner (Belpre, Ohio) scored 10 points, all from the free throw line, to help the Minutewomen earn the conference victory. She helped secure the win with six free throws in the final minute. Sophomore Amber Sneed (Cincinnati, Ohio) tied her career best by pulling down 11 rebounds. She also added nine points.
The Minutewomen got off to a quick start as they held a 12-4 advantage and forced the Dukes to use a timeout at the 12:20 mark. Duquesne never recovered and trailed 24-14 at halftime. Junior Caroline Nehls (Randolph, N.J.) recorded six of her eight points in the first half. UMass forced Duquesne to shoot 23% from the field in the first half.
In the second half, UMass started strong again as they extended their lead to 16 points by the 15:50 mark. Duquesne chipped away, but never got any closer than five points. UMass had an answer to every Duquesne run and used clutch free throw shooting by Coyner and a big offensive rebound by freshman Cleo Foster (Toronto, Ontario), after she missed a free throw, to hold off the Dukes.
The Minutewomen shot 77% from the free throw line for the game, while holding the Dukes to 33% from the field. They also forced 18 Duquesne turnovers. Coyner led UMass with four assists, while Foster picked up three steals.
With the win, the Minutewomen improve to 11-12 overall, and 6-6 in the Atlantic 10. Duquesne drops to 13-10 overall, and 6-6 in the A-10.
UMass returns to action this Friday, Feb. 16, when it travels to Washington, D.C. to face George Washington.