Dec. 30, 2008

Final Stats

By Danny Mattie
Athletic Media Relations

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- For the second straight game at the Wells Fargo New Year's Classic, the Colorado State women's basketball team used a strong start to build a large lead over its opponent.  And, for the second straight game, the Rams' lead disappeared early in the second half. 

The difference this time, however, was that the Rams responded and fought back to capture a 56-48 over Prairie View A&M (3-9) on Tuesday evening at the Convocation Center.    

"I thought we handled the press well when we needed to and were able to make plays down the stretch.  I really thought that they stepped it up, especially in the second game of a tournament when they are tired.  They played hard." 

The win pushed the Rams' record to 4-8 on the season, matching the team's win total from last year. 

Freshman guard Kim Mestdagh played a key role in the Rams' victory, putting together an impressive stat line that included 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.  Mestdagh opened the contest red hot from beyond the arc.  She connected on three shots from three-point range in the game's first 5 minutes and Colorado State jumped out to a 14-2 lead. 

"I thought Kim was much more aggressive than last night," added Holt.  "They left her open early which was really helpful to get her going."

The Panthers, who played in the 2008 NIT, stormed back.  Applying aggressive defense and a full-court press, PVAMU converted 16 first-half CSU turnovers into 14 points to pull to within two points at the intermission, 26-24. 

The Rams opened the second half just 1-for-8 from the field in the first 5 minutes and the Panthers captured their first lead of the game, 29-28, with 15:29 on the clock.  CSU regained the lead at the 10:17 mark on a tough three-point play by sophomore guard Zoi Simmons, the second of six lead changes in the second half. 

Colorado State, who struggled from the free-throw line early in the game, converted on 9-of-14 attempts over the final 4:09.  Senior forward Britney Minor hit her first attempt to tie the game at 44 and senior forward Carine Reimink's offensive rebound and putback of the second foul shot sparked a 12-4 Rams run to close out the game.

Junior forward Juanise Cornell added 10 points and five rebounds for the Rams, while Simmons, who was coming off of her first career double-double the night before, added nine points - including four free throws in the final 70 seconds - three rebounds, three assists and two steals. 

Colorado State will look to build on its momentum Saturday when the Rams host the University of South Dakota at Moby Arena. Game time is set for 2 p.m. MT.  For tickets, call 1-800/491-RAMS or visit CSURams.com.