DePaul University Athletics
Williams' 25 Sparks Blue Demons To Win Over Northwestern
12/12/2000 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Chicago - For the second straight year, the DePaul women's basketball team topped cross town rival Northwestern in convincing fashion. The Blue Demons earned a 32 point win a year ago and nearly duplicated the feat this season downing the Wildcats 91-66 Tuesday night.
Extensive and swarming full court pressure stifled the Northwestern attack and forced the Wildcats into 30 turnovers-18 in the first half alone.
"When you extend the floor you usually aren't as good in the half court," said head coach Doug Bruno. "We strive to be solid when we extend the floor and when we are in half court."
Because of the constant running imposed on his players, Bruno is forced to reach 10 players deep into his bench. That, he admits, is of little concern for him and the team.
"A strength of our team is that we've got 13 players who all can play. As much as we rotate and exchange players, I'm confident in any lineup we put on the floor," said Bruno.
Evidence of that depth is shown through the fact that each DePaul player tallied at least two points. Leading the way for the team was junior Lenae Williams who registered 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting. She added two steals and three assists to display her talents on both ends of the floor.
The Blue Demons received 13 points each from Molly Watson and Candis Blankson and 11 more from Sylvia Blakeslee. Briana Fitgerald led the team with six rebounds.
For Northwestern, Emily Butler amassed 18 points while shooting 4-of-14 from the field and 9-of -12 from the free throw line. Tami Sears picked up a game high 12 rebounds to lead the Wildcats.
DePaul improves its record to 4-3 and Northwestern falls to 3-4 on the year. DePaul's next game is Dec. 16 at the United Center against Illinois.
