Feb. 16, 2013

Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery

ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Victoria Lipscomb scored 14 points to lead three players in double-digits for Oakland (9-16, 3-10) in a 59-53 loss to Kansas City (9-17, 5-8) at the Athletics Center O'rena on Saturday. The Golden Grizzlies grabbed 10 offensive rebounds and won the rebounding battle for the second consecutive game.

"I think UMKC hit some big shots," said Oakland head coach Beckie Francis. "When the game was on the line, their experienced players, like [Eilise] O'Connor and [Ashli] Hill, hit key shots and ours just didn't go in."

Sinclair Russell hit a pair of free throws with 3:05 to go, to make it 55-53 and it remained a one-possession game into the final minute of play. With less than 40 seconds to play, Elena Popkey shot 3-pointer in transition that would have given Oakland the lead, but the shot drew iron and UMKC grabbed the rebound.

"I love that Elena had the confidence to take a game-winning shot as a freshman," said Francis. "Some of those are going to go in and some don't."

Lipscomb hit a career-high four 3-pointers to lead Oakland. Three of her triples came in the first half, as OU shot 44.8 percent and went 6-for-8 from long range, to lead 32-29 at the half. Olivia Nash also had a strong opening half, scoring 10 of her 12 points before the intermission.

A layup by Lipscomb put Oakland in front by eight points with 11:07 to play, which marked the largest lead for either team in the game. UMKC chipped away at the deficit and took the lead on a basket by Taylor Leathers with 6:47 remaining and never trailed again.

Eilise O'Connor led Kansas City with 21 points and eight assists. She hit all 10 of her free throws as UMKC went 12-of-12 at the line. Lexis Hardiek knocked down six 3-pointers to finish with 18 points and Ashli Hill added 10 points and three blocks. The Kangaroos shot 43.5 percent for the game.

Making her second consecutive start for OU, Russell equaled her career-high of 12 points and hit a career-best six free throws. Peyton Apsey had a career-high six rebounds, to help Oakland earn a 31-30 edge on the glass. Popkey added eight points, five rebounds and a team-high four assists. The Golden Grizzlies shot 36.4 percent from the field.

Oakland returns to action on Saturday to face Fort Wayne at the O'rena at 2 p.m. It is the final home game of the season and will be a doubleheader with the OU men's team.

Saturday's game will also be a Play4Kay game, where fans are encouraged to wear pink and bring donations to help support the Kay Yow Fund, which helps benefits women's cancer research. Oakland will also sell shirts with a pink Golden Grizzlies logo at the game to raise money for the fund.

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