ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Jodie Luther and Madeline Korber combined for 35 points and 19 rebounds as the University of Rochester used its height and inside strength to defeat Baruch, 77-63, in the championship game of the Chuck Resler Invitational at the Louis Alexander Palestra.
Luther matched her career high with 23 points. She also grabbed eight rebounds. Korber had 12 points and matched her career high with 11 rebounds. Danielle McNabb and Laney Ming scored 10 points apiece for UR (3-0). The Yellowjackets are ranked 8th nationally.
Jessica Duleba led Baruch with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Toni Fenn scored 10 points and grabbed six boards. Baruch is 2-1.
The Bearcats controlled a good portion of the first half, and led by eight, 18-10, when Vikki DeTata hit a three-pointer midway through the period. Kiara Johnson's layup kept Baruch ahead, 28-25, with 3:53 to go. Rochester closed the half on a 10-2 run to lead, 35-30. Korber scored four of the 10 points.
Rochester's lead grew to as much as 11 early in the second half – layups by Kristyn Wright and Luther sandwiched around a Duleba jumper – to move in front, 47-36, with 17:16 left. Duleba and Folashade Akinde scored four apiece in a 10-2 Baruch spurt that cut the deficit to 49-46 with 13:31 left.
A three-pointer by Jackie Walker – her fifth in two days – keyed a mini 8-2 run for a 57-48 lead with less than 12 minutes left. Baruch drew within five, 59-54, midway through the half but could get no closer.
Luther was named the tournament MVP. She was joined on the All-Tournament Team by Korber, Fenn, Duleba, Sara Watson of Wittenberg, and Kaitlin Clifford of New Paltz.