Colorado State University Athletics
Colorado State
2-16, 0-5MWC
Wyoming
18-1, 6-0MWC
Strong first not enough to topple No. 18/19 Wyoming
1/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 26, 2008
FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- Junior Amaka Uzomah had 12 points and 18 rebounds for her first career double-double, but it was not enough as the Colorado State women's basketball team (2-16, 0-5 MWC) lost a close one to conference-leading rival Wyoming (18-1, 6-0), 68-55, in the first installment of the Border War.
The Rams played tough throughout the entire game, leading for most of the first half, but Wyoming senior Jodi Bolerjack's 10 points in the second half proved too much despite CSU's great effort.
Head Coach Jen Warden was proud of that performance against the nationally ranked Cowgirls.
"I felt like we had a strong effort, and our players followed our scouting report really well," said Warden. "Our players made courageous drives to the basket all game."
Juanise Cornell, along with Uzomah, junior Britney Minor and freshman Elle Queen attacked the hoop successfully all game. As a result, 30 of the Rams' 55 points came from inside the paint. Cornell had 12 points and seven rebounds before fouling out of the game with 1:26 remaining. Minor added 13 points and Queen had 10 points and five rebounds. Uzomah's 18 rebounds tied for ninth in the CSU record book for most rebounds in a game. Former Ram basketball standout Katie Cronin was the last to grab 18 rebounds in a game, accomplishing the feat nine years ago.
"When you have a player like Amaka turn in the numbers she did, you always have a chance to win," said Warden. "Clearly, this was a coming out party for Amaka."
The Rams held strong in front of 2,783 in Moby Arena and led by eight, 15-7 at the 12:39 mark in the first half, after holding the Cowgirls scorless for the first 4 minutes of the game. However, Wyoming scrapped back into the game with a 7-0 run over the next 2 minutes to bring the Ram lead to one, 15-14, at the 10:30 mark. The Rams and Cowgirls went into halftime all square at 26.
Wyoming senior Justyna Podziemska, who led all players in scoring with 16 points, scored a crucial 3-pointer that put Wyoming into the lead with 16:27 remaining in the second half. It was a lead that Wyoming wouldn't relinquish.
"I don't feel like they ever panicked," said Cornell on the play of Wyoming. "They're well coached, and have good seniority on their team. "
Wyoming sophomore Aubrey Vandiver turned in a 14-point effort while senior Hanna Zavecz added 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
The Rams will travel to San Diego to take on San Diego State in a MWC matchup Wednesday. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. PT from Cox Arena.
