No. 12/8 Musketeers Knocked Off by Michigan, 72-71

Dec. 14, 2009

CINCINNATI- Freshman guard Katie Rutan came off the bench to score a team-high 18 points, but it was not enough as the No. 12/8 Xavier University women's basketball team lost 72-71 to Michigan on Monday evening at Cintas Center.

XU falls to 7-2 on the season while the Wolverines won their fourth straight to improve to 8-2.

Xavier held its last lead of the night with 39 seconds left in the contest as Amber Harris drove the lane and completed an old-fashioned three-point play to put the Musketeers up 71-70.

The Wolverines responded as Dayeesha Hollins, a freshman from Cincinnati's Winton Woods, went backdoor on the XU defense and converted a lay-up for the game-winner with 17 seconds to go.

The Musketeers were unable to get off a shot at the basket in the ensuing possession.

Xavier was forced to battle from behind after the Wolverines opened the second half with a 15-0 run over the first 4:12.

Rutan led three XU players in double-figure scoring as Amber Harris added 15 points and Ta'Shia Phillips chipped in with 13 points on 6-of-8 from the floor.

Hollins' 22 points came on 10-of-17 from the floor to lead the Maize and Blue. Carmen Reynolds scored 18 points and Krista Phillips added 16 points to join Hollins in double-figure scoring.

Xavier shot 29-of-58 (.500) from the floor for the game including 6-of-16 (.375) from beyond the arc. UM was 30-of-62 (.484) from the field and 8-of-23 (.348) from long distance.

Michigan won the battle of the boards 35-to-29 although XU's Ta'Shia Phillips pulled down 12 rebounds for her fifth double-double of the season and 39th of her career.

The game featured 11 lead changes and eight ties.

Rutan provided a big spark off the bench in the first half as the freshman scored 13 points including 11 of XU's 13 over a stretch of 8:21.

The Xavier women take a break during exam week and are back in action on Sunday, December 20 as they play host to Mississippi State at Cintas Center. Tip-off is slated for 2:00 p.m.

-XU-

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