Lehigh University
Elon
Lehigh rallies past Elon 83-68
9/16/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Bethlehem, PA- Lehigh defeated Elon 83-68 Saturday afternoon in Stabler Arena at the fifth annual Christmas City Classic. The Mountain Hawks will look for their second consecutive Christmas City Classic Championship Sunday afternoon against Boston University. The Mountain Hawks improve to 2-1 on the season and the Phoenix fall to 0-2.
"I thought we played well, especially in the second half," said head coach Sue Troyan. "We were able to force some key turnovers and I thought our defense sparked some scoring opportunities for us."
The Mountain Hawks were led by junior center Anne Tierney. Tierney, who was scoreless at the intermission, but went on to lead the team with 21 points. She went 17-of-18 from foul line to set a new school record for most free throws made in a single contest. Kelly Madden who made 13 against Colgat in 1995 previously held the record.
"I needed to get on the scoreboard somehow to help the team," said Tierney. "I only took four shots in the game and I picked up two early fouls so I spent most of the first half on the bench. I’m just glad I was able to contribute in the second half and help us get a win."
The first half was a close back and forth battle between the two teams. Although the Mountain Hawks only took the lead five times during the half they kept the game within a fingertips reach. The first half ended 34-31 in favor of the Phoenix. Freshman center Jessica DePalo led all scoring with 12. The freshman also tore down a team high of seven rebounds.
Both teams struggled in putting points on the board at the start of the second half. However the Mountain Hawks were able to find their scoring groove with about six minutes to go in the contest. Lehigh took the lead at 58 and never looked back. The Mountain Hawks went on a 12 point scoring run sparked by two free throws made by Jana Ransom.
The Mountain Hawks shot an impressive 73.7 percent behind the line and out rebounded Elon 44-32.
Fans can listen to tomorrow’s contest at www.lehigh.edu, with Jeff Tourial calling the action. Christmas City Classic action will begin at 1:00 with Delaware State and Elon in the consolation game. Lehigh and Boston University will follow. Tip off for the championship game is scheduled for 3:30.
