Auld lang syne: Chapman ends 2009 on a winning streak

ORANGE, Calif. - The Chapman University women's basketball team put together one of its more complete efforts of the season and closed 2009 with its first three-game winning streak by defeating visiting University of Texas, Dallas 69-52 at the Hutton Sports Center on Thursday night as part of the Tiger/Panther Classic co-hosted by Chapman and Occidental College.

The Panthers ended the first half on a 9-1 run, turning a six-point deficit into a two-point lead going into the intermission up 34-32. Chapman's momentum carried well into the second half as the Panthers out-scored UT-Dallas 32-12 over the next 14:54 and opened up a lead as large as 22 points en route to the win.

In fact, the Comets were held to just four field goals in the first 16 minutes of the second half as the Panthers' smothering defense forced 29 turnovers in the game and held its opponent to just 28 percent shooting (7-for-25) in the half. UT-Dallas' 52 points ties the season-low for any opponent against the Panthers this season.

Meanwhile, Chapman (5-7) shot better than 47 percent in the second half and was sent to the free throw line 21 times. Senior G Linda Ly was the primary beneficiary of the Comets' foul trouble, scoring 11 of her game-high 19 points in the second half, including 11 of 15 from the line in the game. Ly also added a game-high six steals. Chapman had 15 steals in all - 10 coming in the first half.

Three Panthers in all reached double-digits in points: Junior G Casey Gomez (13 points, 8 rebounds) and junior F Simone Ibbotson (11 points, 7 rebounds).

Guard Chelsea Edwards scored 13 points for UT-Dallas (7-3) in defeat.

After opening the season losing seven of their first nine games, the Panthers have now won three in a row heading into a rematch with West Region rival La Verne on the road on Saturday. The Leopards handed Chapman a 75-65 loss in the season opener in Orange last month.

by Doug Aiken
Sports Information Director

Box Score: http://www.chapmanathletics.com/sports/wbkb/2009-10/stats/utd-cu.htm