March 8, 2003
Box Score
Pocatello, ID---Despite missing 5-of-11 free throws in the final 31 seconds of the game, the Weber State Wildcats were able to hold off the Idaho State Bengals for a 72-69 win in Big Sky Conference women's basketball action Saturday night at Reed Gymnasium.
With 3:42 left in the contest, Weber State led 65-57 after a layup Crystal Howe. The ISU comeback started with a free throw by Tiffany Williams, cutting the margin to 65-58. Laraine Skow then hit a three pointer off an assist from Williams to cut the lead to 65-61 with 2:12 left. Julie Gjertsen made a running jumper to increase the margin to six with 47 seconds left. A free throw by Howe with 31 seconds left seemed to ice the game for WSU at 68-63.
That's when the fun started. First Merrilee Udy made a driving layup with 18 seconds left to cut the margin to three points. Ashley Thurman then fouled Sheila Robertson, who was driving up the court at the time. Thurman was called for an intentional foul and the ISU bench was called for a technical shortly thereafter. Robertson only hit one of the four free throws and after Gjertson was fouled on the inbounds play, she missed her free throw. Elisha Allen was fouled with 12 seconds left and made both of her shots to cut the lead to 69-67. Ashley Toner then fouled Howe, who sank both shots to increase the lead to 71-67 with 11 seconds left. Karse Muller fouled Udy quickly on the inbounds and Udy made both of her shots to cut the lead back to two points with 11 seconds left. Robertson then made one-of-two free throws and Elisha Allen's desperation three at the buzzer was no good, ending the game.
Playing in her final game as a Bengal Yolonda Banks led ISU with career highs of 16 points and eight rebounds. Ashley Toner also had a strong showing in her final ISU game with 14 points and seven rebounds. Elisha Allen came off the bench to lead ISU with a career-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
Five Wildcats scored in double figures, led by Gjertsen and Howe, who had 17 points each. Robertson had 11 points, while Angela Sampson and Kristen Clyder-Gardner had 10 points apiece.
With the loss ISU finishes the 2002-03 season with a 6-20 overall record and 2-12 Big Sky mark. Weber State clinched the regular season Big Sky crown with a 19-8 overall record and 11-3 Big Sky mark.
