COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Despite shooting a season best 51.0 percent from the floor, the University of Colorado Colorado Springs women's basketball team attempted 14 fewer free throws than the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, leading to a 70-62 setback for the Mountain Lions Saturday afternoon at Gallogly Events Center.
Both teams entered the game with matching 3-6 records; UCCS moves to 2-2 at home this season.
The Rangers sank 25-of-26 free throws, including 15-of-16 in the second half. UCCS fouled UWP 21 times, only two fewer fouls than the Rangers. UCCS went to the line 12 times, hitting seven free throws.
Both teams traded the lead as the game featured 10 ties and 11 lead changes.
The Mountain Lions last lead over the Rangers came with 9:12 left in the final stanza after
Anna Davern made a jumper to give UCCS a 53-52 lead. With 95 seconds remaining,
Kelly O'Flannigan made a three to bring the Mountain Lions within four points, 66-62, but UWP closed out the game netting four straight points.
UCCS finished the game making 26-of-51 from the floor and 3-of-7 from long range.
The Mountain Lions headed into halftime with a slight lead, 33-32. UCCS came out of halftime to shoot a solid 70 percent in the third quarter (7-of-10) but were outscored by the Rangers, 20-16.
Davern came off the bench to lead the Mountain Lions offense with 12 points after sinking 6-of-7 field goals. Davern added two blocked shots and two rebounds.
O'Flannigan was perfect from the field, making all five attempts. She chipped in four assists, four rebounds and blocked one shot.
Jae Ferrin pulled down a game high 13 rebounds, 12 of which came from the defensive end of the court. She added seven points, three assists and two steals.
UCCS outrebounded the Rangers, 40-33, but UWP recorded 17 offensive boards to the Mountain Lions 11. As a result, the Rangers scored 16 second chance points to UCCS' four points.
The Mountain Lions 23 turnovers are the third most this season and they led to 28 points for the Rangers. UCCS dominated UWP in the paint, outscoring the Rangers 28-12.
Parkside finished the game making 18-of-64 field goals (28.1 percent). Blair Arthur scored a game high 30 points, including 5-of-9 from downtown and all nine free throw attempts.
UCCS will play host to St. Edward's University on Sunday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. The Hilltoppers dropped a 65-50 decision earlier today against Western State Colorado University. Parkside and Western State will face each other at 1 p.m. prior to the Mountain Lions game.
