January 8, 2010

RedStorm fall at Urbana

Urbana, Oh. --- The University of Rio Grande RedStorm women's basketball team fell behind early and never recovered as they dropped a 65-48 decision at Urbana University on Thursday evening.

Rio Grande (9-7) fell behind 5-0 and never led in the game. Rio's shooting numbers matched the frigid temperatures outside as the RedStorm fell behind 26-6 in the first half. After a timeout, Rio went on an 11-0 run to cut the deficit to 26-17 but would get no closer than that. 

Urbana (8-6) has won eight of its last nine games and felt no ill effects from an extended layoff. Urbana had not played since a loss at Findlay December 19. The Blue Knights recovered from the RedStorm burst to take a 13-point lead to halftime at 34-21.

The Blue Knights would build the lead to as high as 22 points (53-31) in the second half and cruised to victory. 

Junior guard Jenna Smith (Bellefontaine, OH) enjoyed a homecoming of sorts as she led the RedStorm in scoring with 19 points (13 in the first half). Junior forward Leah Kendro (Strongsville, OH) was the only other Rio player to reach double figures with 10 points (eight in the second half). 

Urbana used a balanced attack with four players scoring in double figures. The Blue

Knights were led by Andrea Vogel with 14 points (10 in the second half). She also pulled down seven rebounds. Jalyssa Jackson added 12 points and led Urbana with eight rebounds and six assists. Ashley Falknor also scored 12 points pulled down seven rebounds and handed out six assists.

Rio's cold shooting plagued them the entire night as the RedStorm shot only 25 percent (15-of-60) from the field, including 3-of-16 (18.8 percent) from three-point land. 

Despite the loss, Rio still holds a sizeable advantage in the all-time series, leading 31-14.

Rio is finished with the non-conference portion of the schedule and will now turn its attention to the Mid-South Conference. The RedStorm will play its first ever MSC game next Thursday (January 14) at 6 p.m. at the Newt Oliver Arena.

Stretch Internet will provide play-by-play coverage beginning at 5:50 p.m.