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Westerwinds defeat Lewis in final exhibition game of 2007 season

December 2, 2007 on 8:30 pm | In Athletics |

MACOMB, Ill. Senior Stephanie Lovingood recorded 11 points and added 11 rebounds in the Western Illinois women’s basketball team’s 56-43 exhibition victory over Lewis.

Both team’s traded turnovers in the first minute before the Flyers earned the first points of the game at the 19 minute mark. Lewis then started a 7-2 run in the first 5:30 before the Westerwinds started a 6-0 run of their own to take the final lead of the game with 12:45 remaining in the first half. Western held the Flyers without a field goal for 9:30, while recording a 13-1 run to open up the lead. The Westerwinds then headed into the lockerroom with a 25-14 advantage.

Western started out the second half with strong defense holding the Flyers scoreless for over three minutes. The Westerwinds held a double-digit lead until the nine minute mark when the Flyers started to step up their defense. With just over three minutes remaining Lewis started a 6-0 run to close the gap to just five points. Western’s advantage on the scoreboard forced Lewis to start fouling and the Westerwinds capitalized on the opportunity for free points, hitting all eight of their free throws in the last 45 seconds of the game.

The Westerwinds held the Flyers to a 30 percent shooting percentage while sinking 40 percent of their own shots.

Senior Gina Hugelier was the only other Western player to record double-digits in the points column. The Elmhurst, Ill., native contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while hitting seven-of-eight free throws.

The Westerwinds start the 2007 regular season Friday, November 9 when Truman State heads to Waste Management Court at Western Hall for a 2 p.m. tipoff.

Originaly from Source