The University of Mississippi Athletics
Rebels Suffer First Loss Of Season At Arizona
11/23/2009 | Women's Basketball
TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona used a 14-2 run over the first five minutes of the second half to erase a one point halftime deficit and held off a late Ole Miss rally in the second half on its way to a 65-59 victory Monday afternoon from the McKale Center.
The Wildcats took their largest lead of the game at 14 points with 12:35 left in the second half on a basket from Jennifer Kioa. But Ole Miss answered with a 9-0 run capped by a layup from Bianca Thomas to trim the lead to 47-42.
Arizona increased its advantage to seven points with just over five minutes left to play, but the Rebels used an 8-1 run over the next three minutes to crawl within one point at 57-56 on a layup from sophomore Kayla Holloway. Holloway was fouled on the play, but was unable to convert the ensuing free throw.
The Wildcats hit one of two free throws on the following trip down the floor to take a two point lead with just under two minutes remaining. Ole Miss senior LaKendra Phillips was fouled on the next Rebel possession and went to the free throw line for a pair. Phillips hit one of two to pull Ole Miss back to within a point with 1:15 left on the clock.
Ole Miss and Arizona traded baskets on the next two possessions as Davellyn White and Shantell Black each hit jumpers for their respective teams in a span of 10 seconds. Phillips nearly put Ole Miss ahead for the first time in the half on a jump shot attempt, but a good defensive stand by the Wildcats left the Rebels still trailing by one point with 50 seconds left to play.
Ibekwe drew a foul for Arizona the next time down the floor, but only managed to convert one-of-two free throws to leave the Rebels trailing by just two points. Ole Miss went for the lead on the following possesion, but Whitney Hameth's three-point attempt rolled around the rim and went half way down the cylinder before popping out.
Arizona controlled the rebound and hit its next four free throws to spoil the Rebels' comeback bid.
Thomas paced the Rebels with 17 points and hit three three-pointers to up her career total to 144 to move into sole possession of third place on the school's all-time list. Thomas also finished with a team-high seven rebounds to go along with threee assists.
Elizabeth Robertson scored 12 points and also hit three three-pointers, which included a four-point play midway through the second half to pull the Rebels within seven points.
Arizona guard Brooke Jackson scored a game-high 20 points and hit three three-pointers and finished 6-for-10 from the field. Soana Lucet added 15 points and five rebounds, while Whyte chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds. Ibekwe pulled down a game-high 16 rebounds to go along with 10 points and three blocked shots.
Ole Miss returns to action Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. when the Rebels take on San Jose State in the Florida Atlantic/Boca Bridge Hotel Holiday Tournament.
