Providence College Athletics
Providence College
8-12/2-7
West Virginia
12-7/1-7
Women's Basketball Falls To West Virginia, 61-54
2/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 5, 2003
MORGANTOWN, W. VA. - The Providence College women's basketball team was defeated, 61-54, by West Virginia in BIG EAST Conference action on Wednesday, February 5 in Morgantown, West Virginia. The victory marks the first win in BIG EAST play for the Mountaineers, while the Friars' losing streak extends to five games. Latitia Williams led West Virginia with a game-high 16 points, 12 of which came in the pivotal second half of play. The Friars were led by sophomore forward Jessica Simmonds (South Orange, N.J.), who registered 14 points and seven rebounds.
The Friars held a 27-25 lead at halftime behind the offensive efforts of Simmonds and senior guard Brooke Freeburg (Waterford, Pa.), who each netted seven points in the first half. Providence connected on nine-of-19 attempts from the floor for a shooting percentage of 47.4 percent. The Mountaineers shot 41.7 percent from the field on 10-of-24 shooting from the field, including two-of-three (66.7 percent) from three-point territory. West Virginia was led by Eartha White and Kate Bulger, who contributed six points each in the first half. White and Bulger each finished the game with eight points.
In the second half, West Virginia outscored Providence 36-27 to earn the victory. A half fueled by Williams and Paige, who combined for 23 of the Mountaineers 36 points. Paige finished the game with 14 point, with 11 of those coming in the second half.
West Virginia outrebounded Providence, 40-24 in the game. Sixteen (16) of the Mountaineers 40 rebounds came on the offensive end. The Friars managed just four offensive rebounds in the game.
Joining Simmonds in double figures for Providence was sophomore guard Michal Epstein (Rehovot, Israel) with 12 points. Freeburg finished the night with nine points.
Providence (8-12, 2-7 BIG EAST) will return to action on Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. versus BIG EAST foe Pittsburgh in Providence, R.I.
