Dec. 15, 2008
Box Score
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State had three players score 20 or more points on the way to a 91-54 win over UNLV on Monday night in women's collegiate basketball action from Gill Coliseum. UNLV dropped to 4-4 with its third straight loss, all on the road, while the Beavers improved to 6-1, and 4-0 at home this season.
The Beavers dominated the boards, holding a 49-22 advantage which resulted in a 17-0 edge on second chance points. Another key factor was turnovers, with UNLV committing 19 to just six for the home team, and the Beavers would hold a 27-7 edge on points off turnovers.
The game was tied 6-6 in the opening minutes following back-to-back three-pointers from senior guard and Oregon native Brittany Halberg. Oregon State then took control of the game, outscoring the Lady Rebels 22-2 over a five-minute span. Talisha Rhea scored eight points during the run, while Brittney Davis added seven. Kassandra McCalister's three-pointer capped the run, making the score 28-8 with 11:40 to play in the first half. UNLV closed to within 12 points with seven unanswered points, as Jamie Smith's trey made the score 37-25 with 3:26 on the clock, but OSU would take a 17-point edge, 44-27 into halftime.
Oregon State then opened the second half on a 13-4 run over the first three and a half minutes, for a 57-31 edge. UNLV didn't quit fighting, cutting the lead to 17 twice, the last on an Allison Holiday layup that made the score 63-46 with 11:55 to play in the game. The Beavers then put the game away with a 19-2 run, going up 82-48 on another Rhea three-pointer with 6:20 to play.
UNLV's Shamela Hampton, who entered the game leading the MWC in scoring, was in foul trouble the entire night and played only 19 minutes before fouling out with just two points. Halberg and Smith both scored 13 points to lead UNLV, while Erica Helms added seven points and India Chaney six. The Lady Rebels shot 43.8% (21-of-48) for the game, were 5-of-14 (35.7%) from three-point range, and made 7-of-12 at the line (58.3%).
Alex Mitchell led OSU with 23 points and seven rebounds, Davis added 22 points, and Rhea chipped in 20. The Beavers shot 47.4% for the game, made 9-of-26 from three-point range for 34.6%, and were 10-of-13 (76.9%) at the line.
UNLV will return to action this weekend when it hosts The Desert Draw at UNLV. Friday's first round games sees Southern Miss and No. 22 Oklahoma State play at 1 pm, followed by Cal State Northridge and UNLV at 3:30 pm. Saturday's consolation and championship games will also be at 1 pm and 3:30 pm, with the tournament being held in the Cox Pavilion.
