Philly's own Temple Owls beat out the University of Oregon Ducks,51-46, at this years Women's Sports Foundation four game Basketball Challenge.
By Ryann Holmes
The sounds of cheerleaders chanting, sneakers hitting the hardwood, and thousands of fans cheering for their favorite teams kicked off the excitement at this year's Women's Sports Foundation Basketball Challenge.
The University of Oregon hosted the 7th annual Women's Sports Foundation basketball tournament from Nov. 11-12, 2005. This four-game battle between four great NCAA women's basketball teams ended as Philadelphia's Temple Owls reigned champions.
The championship game between the University of Oregon Ducks and the Temple Owls was a test of two defensive power houses. In front of more than 3,500 fans at McArthur Arena in Eugene, Ore., the University of Oregon Ducks attempted to defend their previous title as the 2003 Women's Sports Foundation Basketball Challenge Champions, but the Owls managed to seal a victory with a 51-46 win over the Ducks. After being down just three points with 2:36 to play, the Owls sealed the deal by scoring eight unanswered points before the buzzer on the Ducks home floor. Tournament MVP Candice Dupree was clutch, leading Temple to the victory by scoring 21 points with 15 rebounds going head-to-head with Oregon star Gabrielle Richards, who scored 20 points and had 15 rebounds. Temple's All-Tournament selection, forward Kamesha Hariston, picked up 14 points and three steals to help Temple claim the tournament title.
Twenty-first ranked Temple defeated No. 20 Michigan, 65-48 in the opening game of the tournament to advance to the championship game. Khadija Bowens and Dupree were the Temple Owls' leading ladies, scoring a combined 24 points. Dupree, who contributed 10 points, also led the team with nine rebounds and five blocks. Temple moved on in the tournament to face the winner of game two, which featured St. Francis (Pa.) and the host University of Oregon.
The St. Francis Red Flash faced a tough 80-30 loss to the Ducks in the opening round. Oregon played a smart game offensively and ended up with 26 total assists on 33 baskets. Gabrielle Richards was the Ducks' leading scorer with 19 points, and teammate Carolyn Ganes was close behind with 15, 13 of which were scored in the second half.
Early Saturday evening, the consolation game started with a bang for the University of Michigan Wolverines. Michigan led by 10 points in the first four minutes of the game, the last six unanswered. The Wolverines led after the first half by 36 points, 19 of which were contributed by freshman Stephany Skrba, who also led the team with eight rebounds. Skrba's showing was a great start for her first career game and the team's first victory of the season. Sophomore Katie Dierdorf also impacted the Wolverines' first win by scoring a career-high 13 points, along with three rebounds and two blocks. The Wolverines shot 30-35 from the line, tying the school record for free throws made in a game.
The Women's Sports Foundation proudly supports the advancement of girls and women through physical activity and sports. Each year the basketball challenge is held to showcase and recognize the talent, hard work, and excitement of Women's NCAA basketball teams.
TOURNAMENT MVPCandice Dupree, Temple
ALL-TOURAMENT TEAMGabrielle Richards, Oregon
Eleanor Haring, Oregon
Kamesha Hairston, Temple
Stephany Skrba, Michigan
Amber Hein, St. Francis
Stay tuned for more information on the 2006 Women's Sports Foundation Basketball Challenge, which will take place on Nov. 11-12, 2006, at the University of Kentucky. Washington State, Indiana and Wake Forest will all head to Lexington, Ky., where a new champion will be crowned.