Jan. 23, 2010

Box Score

BROOKINGS, S.D. - Senior Hanna Reising scored a season-high 19 points, but the Oakland University women's basketball team (8-11, 5-3 Summit League) was unable to stage a second half comeback as the Golden Grizzlies fell to South Dakota State University (10-8, 6-2 Summit League) 66-59 on Saturday evening at the Frost Arena.

"That was a well-fought game," said head coach Beckie Francis. "I love playing South Dakota State because it is always an up and down and physical game. I thought both teams battled really well."

The Jackrabbits jumped out to an early 10-2 lead at the 16:23 mark, before Oakland cut the SDSU advantage to four points, 12-8, with 13 minutes to go in the half. SDSU kept control of the momentum, however, and went on a 23-6 run to give the Jacks a 36-13 lead with 3:59 on the clock.

The Golden Grizzlies then held the Jacks without a point for the remainder of the half, going on a 7-0 run to close out the half trailing 36-20. SDSU continued to dominate the offense, taking a 48-28 lead with 14 minutes to play and maintained a lead as high as 21 points as the half progressed. But the Golden Grizzlies chipped away at the lead and cut the game to 12 points, 57-45, with 6:25 to go.

Reising hit a 3-pointer, then connected with senior Melissa Jeltema on a fast break to cut the SDSU lead to seven, 62-55, with 1:30 to play. Sophomore Sharise Calhoun then sank a trey of her own with 14 seconds to go to cut the deficit to six points, 64-59, but it was too late for a comeback, as SDSU sank two more free throws to cement the victory, 66-59.

Reising's 19 points led the Golden Grizzlies and also dished out four assists. Calhoun led Oakland on the glass with 10 rebounds and Jeltema also contributed eight points and four rebounds.

All of SDSU's starters notched double-digits and were led by Jennie Sunnarborg with a career-high 20 points.

Oakland was out-rebounded 47-39, though they committed fewer turnovers with nine compared to South Dakota State's 12. After shooting 28 percent in the first half, the Golden Grizzlies improved to 44 percent in the second half to finish the game shooting 36.5 percent.

The Jacks finished the night 38 percent from the floor. The Golden Grizzlies will continue their four-game road swing with a matchup against North Dakota State on Monday, Jan. 25. Tip is scheduled for an 8 p.m. EST start and can be followed via All Access or Live Stats at www.ougrizzlies.com.

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