The Yellowjacket Women's basketball squad suffered their 2nd straight league loss, with a 82-74 overtime loss to the University of Chicago today at the Palestra.
The game was close from the first minutes, with the two teams trading the lead five times in the first half. Rochester led through the middle of the first half, with Chicago taking a 30-27 advantage with just under three minutes remaining in the half on a pair of layups from Susie Gutowski. Danielle Muller hit a layup and Megan Fish sank a pair of free throws to bring the 'Jackets to within one, while Megan Krebbeks hit a jump shot to pull the Yellowjackets ahead. Gutowski made a free throw to tie the game, but Emily Bango answered with a pair of her own to secure a 35-33 lead for the 'Jackets at halftime.
Chicago went on a 17-6 run in the first 9 minutes of the second half, finally securing a 9-point lead with 7 minutes remaining. The Yellowjackets then started a run, chipping the Chicago lead down to two. Rochester then missed three shots, until Fish sank a jumper to tie the score at 56. Rochester then fouled Korry Schwanz of Chicago, sending her to the line, where she missed the front end of a one-and-one, putting Chicago ahead 67-66. Jessie Graham pulled down the rebound, missing a layup attempt with three seconds remaining. Joy Sadaly managed to grab the rebound and drew a foul, sending her to the line where she missed her first throw, but sank the second, tying the score at 67.
Rochester was then unable to create momentum during the overtime period, with Chicago taking a quick lead. A series of foul shots then pushed Chicago out to an 8-point lead.
Rochester was led in scoring by Muller, who posted a career high of 17 points, surpassing her previous high of 12 versus New York University. Rochester had three other players score in double figures. Fish and Emily Lyons chipped in 15 points apiece, with Jessie Graham posting 10 of her own. Graham and Fish led the 'Jackets in rebounding as well, with 9 each.
Chicago had 5 players in double figures, led by Susie Gutowski with 19 points. Nofi Mojidi and Schwanz had 14 points each, with Janae Winner chipping in 11 and Nicaya Rapier posting 10. Gutowski also led in rebounding, pulling down 10.
Rochester fell to 8-7 overall, 1-4 in the UAA. Chicago is 11-4 overall and undefeated (5-0) in league play. Rochester travels to Case Western Reserve and Emory University next weekend, returning to the Palestra for a rematch with Emory on February 4.
