ROCHESTER, NY – Despite narrowing a 23-point second-half deficit down to single-digits, the Case Western Reserve University women's basketball team saw its six-game win streak snapped at the hands of #14/#15 University of Rochester by a score of 82-73 on Sunday, January 23 at the Palestra.
With the loss, the Spartans fall to 10-6 overall and 4-1 UAA. Rochester improves to 13-3 and 3-2 UAA.
The Spartans were led by sophomore guard Evy Iacono (Cincinnati, OH/Mount Notre Dame) with 22 points – bringing her weekend total to 49. Sophomore point Erica Iafelice (North Canton, OH/Hoover) totaled 13 points, six assists, three rebounds and a career-high seven steals. Junior forward Erin Hollinger (Chardon, OH/Chardon) also contributed 11 points.
Rochester had four players score in double-figures, including Kristyn Wright with 14 and Michelle Ketcham and Melissa Alwardt with 13 apiece.
The Spartans came out cold on offense and trailed 13-3 when U of R's Alwardt hit a layup at 14:46. Case got to within seven, at 17-10, when Iacono nailed a three-pointer at 11:27, but Rochester answered with a 10-3 run and led 27-13 following a Jodie Luther jumper at 5:33. Case got it back to nine, at 27-18, when Iacono canned another three at 4:40, but Rochester was able to end the half on a 10-2 run to lead 37-20 at the break.
In the second half, Case got to within 11 when Iacono hit a three-pointer to bring the score to 51-40 with 12:30 remaining. Rochester increased its advantage to a game-high 23 following a Loren Wagner three-point play that made the score 66-43 with 8:35 left to play.
Undaunted, the Spartans used their press defense and battled all the way back to 76-69 when Iafelice hit a free throw to cap a 26-10 run with 1:31 remaining. Unfortunately, Rochester was able to gain control and finish the game on a 6-4 run to secure the victory.
The Spartans return to action next Friday, Jan. 28 at the University of Chicago (IL) at 6:00 p.m. (CT). The team also is on the court at Washington University (MO) on Sunday, Jan. 30 at 2:00 p.m. (CT).