Lehigh University
Villanova
Balanced attack lifts Lehigh over Villanova 80-65
12/5/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – The Mountain Hawks put together their most complete game of the season Saturday night and defeated the Villanova Wildcats 80-65 at Stabler Arena. Lehigh had five players score in double-figures, led by junior Erica Prosser and sophomore Emily Gratch who each had 17 points. With the win the Brown and White have 20 straight home victories, which is the fifth longest home win streak in Division I. Lehigh improves to 6-2 on the season and Villanova falls to 4-2. It was the Mountain Hawks' first win over a Big East opponent since 2006 when they defeated Syracuse 55-48.
“I told the players that you learn a lot from playing good teams and getting beat by them (referring to the Princeton game),” head coach Sue Troyan said. “We knew we had to come into tonight and focus on defensive rebounding and defending the three. The team really executed the game plan and we did a good job of holding them to one shot per possession.”
The other three Mountain Hawks to finish in double figures were senior Alex Ross (14), junior Courtney Dentler (11) and senior Kristen Dalton, who came off the bench and scored 12 points. Senior Tricia Smith cleaned up the glass for Lehigh, collecting a season-high 11 rebounds.
“We have a lot of offensive weapons,” Dalton Said. “Tonight we shared the ball with everyone and communicated really well. When we do all the small things well and stay consistent we’re going to see results like this.”
For the game Lehigh shot 44 percent from the floor and a season-high 50 percent on three-pointers. Villanova finished shooting 40 percent and 29 percent from beyond the arc. The Wildcats were led by freshman Laura Sweeney who had 11 points off the bench.
In front of a good home crowd the Mountain Hawks started the game off strong. Lehigh was able to build an 11-4 lead six minutes into the game, but the Wildcats pulled within three a few minutes later to bring the score to 13-10. An 8-0 run extended the Lehigh lead and the Mountain Hawks took a 36-21 lead into the half.
The Mountain Hawks rebounded well after allowing 58 first half points against Princeton on Wednesday night as they held Villanova to 25 percent shooting in the half. Lehigh shot 48 percent from the floor and 50 percent from beyond the arc.
Smith tied her season-high in rebounds in the half with eight and Prosser led all players with nine points. Right behind her was Ross who added eight points and Dalton, who scored five.
The closest the Wildcats came to Lehigh in the second half was 10 points and the Mountain Hawks were able to finish the game and secure the victory.
The Brown and White will have two days until its next game when Duquesne visits Stabler Arena.
“We can enjoy this win for a little bit but then we have to start focusing on Monday,” Troyan said. Tonight’s game was definitely a confidence booster and I am proud of the way the girls bounced back.”
Lehigh and Duquesne will hit the court at 7:00 p.m. on Monday night as the Mountain Hawks look to keep their home winning streak alive. Tickets are available in advance by calling 610-7LU-GAME and online at Lehighsports.com, or on game day at the Stabler Arena box office 60 minutes prior to tipoff.
Lehigh - Villanova Post-Game Extra
