ROCHESTER, NY- The University of Rochester women's basketball team stuck to their strength, height in the posts, and used it to their advantage to win their sixth straight Chuck Resler Memorial Tournament by a score of 77-63 over Baruch College Saturday night. The win was the #8 ranked Yellowjackets 10th tournament title in their last 12 years.
Early in the game, Baruch was not fazed by the championship game pressure and took the lead in the opening minutes. Leading the way for the Bearcats (2-1) was Jessica Duleba who had eight points and five rebounds in the first half.
Rochester (3-0) was then able to get back into it with hard work on the boards from its experienced seniors
Jodie Luther and
Madeline Korber. The two combined for 17 points and 12 boards (8 offensive) in the first half. As a team, UR grabbed 16 offensive rebounds in the half and converted those into 14 second chance points. The Yellowjackets were also solid from the charity stripe in the first half, hitting 13-14 free throws.
At the half, UR had the advantage 35-30.
The five point halftime lead hit double-digits only two and a half minutes into the second half behind solid play from head coach
Jim Scheible's starting five which included Luther, Korber,
Danielle McNabb,
Kristyn Wright and
Laney Ming.
The Yellowjacket lead was trimmed to just three after some strong work inside by the Bearcats, but some Baruch turnovers and UR fast break chances allowed the home team to snatch momentum right back.
Using their size and experience inside, the Yellowjackets were again able to increase the lead to double-digits with around three minutes remaining. In the end, UR's pressure and persistence inside the paint was too much for the Bearcats and the Yellowjackets were able to take the tournament crown by a final of 77-63.
Luther scored a career high 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead UR and grab tournament MVP honors. Korber finished with a double-double, 12 points and 11 rebounds and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team. McNabb finished with 10 points and eight rebounds as the third post presence for the Yellowjackets. On the night, UR outrebounded the Bearcats by 14, 51 to 37.
Leading the way for Baruch was Duleba who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Toni Fenn finished with 10 points and six boards. Both players were named to the All-Tournament Team for their two day performances.
Rochester's next game is Tuesday November 22nd at Elmira College.
