Dec. 9, 2010

University Center, Mich. – Too little, too late defined the Wayne State women's basketball teams 61-55 defeat at Saginaw Valley State (3-4, 1-1 GLIAC), Thursday night.

Playing from behind the entire game, missed chances hurt the Warriors down the stretch, halting the comeback effort as WSU nearly overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half.

Having opportunities to take the lead or tie, Wayne State was held scoreless in the final 1:07 of the contest.

Down 54-52 with 1:35 remaining, sophomore Tyler Hardy (Ann Arbor, Mich./Huron) had her pass stolen. Back down the court, Brittany Burkhardt's lay-up gave the host a four-point cushion.

Hardy would answer with 1:07 left, nailing a deep-triple from the corner to put the Warriors within one, 56-55.

But, following a lay-up from Marah Kyle, a turnover from junior Kiara Smith (Detroit, Mich./Renaissnace) with 33 seconds left, gave the ball and the game to the home team.

An 8-4 run helped the Cardinals to a 30-24 halftime lead, and the momentum carried over as SVSU began the second half on a 7-3 run. The Warriors would climb back within three with 15:49 to go, but the home team scored the next six points to increase their lead to nine.

The teams traded buckets over the next 9 1/2 minutes. With 5:52 left, sophomore Deanna Crumpton (Kentwood, Mich./East Kentwood) jump-started an 8-0 spurt from the visitors. The run would last the next 3 1/2 minutes, setting the stage for the end of the game.

Hardy led Wayne State (1-7, 1-2 GLIAC) with 16 points, five rebounds and tied a career-high by dishing out five assists. Smith also had five assists to go along with her 11 points.

Crumpton scored all eight of her points in the final 7:13 of the game. Sophomore Paige Sickmiller (Washington, Mich./Romeo) added seven points and a career-high 11 rebounds.

Wayne State plays host to Ohio Dominican (1-5, 0-3 GLIAC) next Thursday (9/16) at the Matthaei. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m.