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Date Posted: 22:27:41 11/19/01 Mon
Author: Matt Barber
Author Host/IP: net206-164-036.xu.edu / 206.21.164.36
Subject: Xavier runs to win against Akron

Despite being a young team just starting what head coach Melanie Balcomb has described as a “learning year,” Xavier showed the distance between a major program like itself, and a struggling mid-major program like Akron. Using its superior speed, strength and athleticism, XU completely outclassed the Zips, 90-44, in the Cintas Center Monday night.
The Musketeers ran their fast-break offense very well, and Akron could not keep up with it, let alone stop it.
“Our goal was to rebound and run,” said Balcomb. “Their weakness is transition defense, and their weakness is our strength.”
Xavier opened the contest on an 8-0 run, and soon after the score was 24-7. At halftime, the score stood at 51-20 for XU.
Xavier’s transition game was not as dependent on steals, as it was on UA’s 19 turnovers and 47 missed shots (out of 64 for a .266 shooting average). Those missed shots were quickly pulled down by the Musketeers, who outrebounded Akron 53-30.
Many of the outlet passes on the fast break found senior guard Shavon Bell running her lane ahead of the defense. She cashed-in for a career-high 23 points, which surpassed her former high of 12, set in XU’s previous game against Indiana State.
Bell is making the most of moving into the starting five, after filling a bench-role last season.
“I’m comfortable,” she said. “I was really prepared by last year, and worked on my outside game this summer.”
Something else Bell has excelled at so far is rebounding. Her seven boards on Monday are also a career-high, also breaking her previous high of six from the ISU game on Friday. At only 5-7, Bell is an outstanding leaper and can play taller than she is.
Sophomore forward Kate Kreager continued her excellent start by following-up Friday’s 25-point performance with a 17-point and 11-rebound double-double.
Junior guard Amy Waugh added 13 points and seven assists, and junior guard Reetta Piipari contributed eight points, eight assists and six rebounds.
The entire Musketeer bench was able to play, and score, as freshman guards Dani Statuto and Kim Neidermeyer were able to record their first official collegiate points.
Freshman forward Alexis Henderson was impressive in her 12 minutes, scoring eight and grabbing six rebounds. She may play her way into the starting lineup before long.
“Our kids really played hard all game,” said Balcomb. “Our defense has been good. We’re pressuring the ball more and creating easy baskets on steals.”
And easy baskets lead to easy wins.

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