WMU News

Broncos host UNC Charlotte Sunday in WNIT

March 19, 2004

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Western Michigan University's women's basketball team defeated favored Louisville, 63-61, Thursday night (March 18) at Cardinal Arena in first-round action of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

WMU will play host to the University of North Carolina-Charlotte in round two of the WNIT at 6 p.m. Sunday in University Arena. The Charlotte 49ers, 17-13 overall, advanced to the second round with a 78-71 victory Wednesday at Clemson.

With the victory at Louisville, the Broncos improved to 18-12 for the season, while the Cardinals finished 20-10. WMU broke Louisville's 13-game home winning streak.

WMU has earned bids to the post-season WNIT three times under head coach Ron Stewart and a berth in the 2003 NCAA Tournament. This is the first time in school history the Broncos have advanced to the second round in either tourney.

At Louisville, junior Kelly Koerber had a career night with a game-high 23 points. Sophomore Shaylen Jackson, whose playing time was extended when senior Lori Crisman got into early foul trouble, grabbed a career-best 12 rebounds. Rookie Carrie Moore finished with 18 total points including the game winning free throw with 11 seconds left.

WMU led almost the entire first half and went into the intermission with a 32-31 lead. Louisville came out strong in the second half, building a 55-47 cushion with about 10 minutes remaining. The Broncos fought back to tie the game at 61 in the final minute of play. Free throws by Koerber and Moore with only seconds remaining gave WMU the final 63-61 victory.

Admission is $5-per-person (including students) for Sunday's WNIT second-round contest versus UNC Charlotte at University Arena. All tickets are general admission and will be available at the door or may be ordered by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 269 387-8092 or toll free 888 4-WMU-TIX (888 496-8849).

Media contact: Paula Haughn, 269 387-4138, paula.haughn@wmich.edu


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