Jan. 30, 2010

Box Score

MACOMB, Ill. - Senior Hanna Reising became the 23rd Golden Grizzly in school history to reach 1,000 career points and freshman Bethany Watterworth added 13 points as the Oakland University women's basketball team (10-11, 7-3 Summit League) defeated Western Illinois University (6-15, 2-8Summit League) 52-36 Saturday evening at Western Hall.

"Western Illinois is well-coached and they always fight," said head coach Beckie Francis. "They play a great man-to-man defense and I really respect their coach. I told the team that this was going to be a well-fought battle and I'm glad our players came out on top."

After trading baskets in the early minutes, the Golden Grizzlies took a 16-9 lead with 9:04 to play in the half. The Fighting Leathernecks cut it to within five, 16-11 with seven minutes to go, but the Black and Gold expanded their lead to as many as eight points, including the Reising 3-pointer at 4:15 that gave the Peoria, Ill. native her 1,000th career point. But WIU battled back and cut the lead to 21-17 at the half.

WIU cut it to two, 21-19 off a quick layup in the opening minutes, but the Golden Grizzlies fired back with a five point burst that put them up 26-19 with 18:46 to go and jumped out to a 10-point lead, 31-21, with 15:33 left.

From there, Oakland remained in the driver's seat, leading by as many as 18and outscoring the Fighting Leathernecks 22-9 in the first 12 minutes of the second half, leading up to the 52-36 'W' for the Golden Grizzlies.

In addition to Watterworth's team-leading 13 points, Resing and senior Melissa Jeltema each scored nine points, with Jeltema also pulling down seven boards. Sophomore Sharise Calhoun scored eight points and dished out two assists. Jordan O'Brien led Western Illinois with seven points.

Oakland held a commanding advantage in rebounding, 47-29, though WIU committed fewer turnovers with 17 compared to 21. OU shot 40 percent from the floor while the Fighting Leathernecks shot 24 percent.

The Golden Grizzlies will play the final contest of their four-game road trip when they take on IUPUI Saturday on Monday, Feb. 1. The game is slated for a 6 p.m. EST tip and can be followed via All Access or Live Stats at www.ougrizzlies.com.

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