DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Drop 80-65 Decision at Charlotte
1/28/2001 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
The DePaul women's basketball team dropped their third straight game on Sunday afternoon with an 80-65 loss at Charlotte. The three-game losing streak is the first this season for the Blue Demons and first since losing three consecutive games in December of 1999. Overall, DePaul is 10-9 on the season and 3-5 in Conference USA play while the 49ers improved to 6-12 and 2-6.
Charlotte built a 24-14 lead behind All-Conference USA selection Tonya Phifer. Phifer scored 12 points to open the game and finished with a game-high 35 points. DePaul came right back and answered the Charlotte run with a 20-9 run of their own to take a 34-33 lead with 1:32 remaining in the first half. The two teams traded baskets and finished the half with the Blue Demons leading, 36-35.
In the second half, the Blue Demons built a 45-39 lead on a three-pointer by Sarah Kustok at 15:46. Phifer then capped an eight-point 49er swing with a three-pointer to give Charlotte a 47-45 advantage. After Briana Fitzgerald tied the game at 47, Charlotte scored the game's next 11 points to build a 58-47 lead with just over 11 minutes to play.
DePaul couldn't cut into the lead for the rest of the game as the 49ers' lead reached 17 points at 62-49 with 1:23 left in the game.
Four players reached double figures for DePaul led by Sylvia Blakeslee with 12 points and eight rebounds. Candis Blankson added 11 points while Jamie Smith and Laura Sobieszczyk chipped in 10 apiece.
The Blue Demons return home next weekend with games against Southern Miss and Tulane. Tipoff on Friday with Southern Miss is 7 p.m. followed by a 4 p.m. contest with Tulane on Sunday. Sunday's game will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN2 from the DePaul Athletic Center.
