University of Albany Women's Basketball Wins Home Opener, 70-49, Over St. Francis - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Freshman guard Ebone Henry had 12 of her career-high 16 points in the second half as UAlbany pulled away for a 70-49 victory over Saint Francis, N.Y. in the Great Danes' home opener on Monday, Nov. 23 at SEFCU Arena.

The contest featured 12 lead changes and four ties through the opening 25 minutes of play. Henry tied the game with a pair of free throws and then gave her team a 38-36 advantage when she drove into the lane on an inbounds play. Still leading 38-36, the Great Danes ran off nine straight points. Henry ignited the outburst with a three-point field goal from the left corner and by scoring on a cut in the lane.

UAlbany (2-1) held a 47-38 cushion with 9:21 remaining, but exploded with a string of 14 consecutive markers. Julie Forster, a walk-on freshman, made a layup after making a steal off the top of a 1-3-1 zone defense, before Charity Iromuanya canned a 3-pointer from the right corner for a 15-point cushion. Melia Basavand connected on back-to-back long-range jumpers and Forster drilled two foul shots for a commanding 61-38 lead with 3:55 to play.

"We are going to go far with effort and hard work on defense," explained Henry, whose team forced 27 turnovers and confused the visitors by switching between man-to-man and zone defenses. "Our coach talks about coming off the bench strong. I am trying to score, rebound and do whatever I have to do to help my team."

In the first half, St. Francis (0-3) ran off seven unanswered points to reverse a 17-16 deficit. Kendra Williams made a pair of free throws to put her team in front. Autumn Lau, a freshman who totaled 15 points and 16 rebounds, sank a three-pointer from the left corner and Tiara Dunson made a 19-footer from just inside the top of the arc.

The Great Danes were still trailing 29-25, but Henry converted a drive from the left wing and Felicia Johnson, who had 10 points and five assists, made a 14-foot jumper in transition to draw their team even at halftime. The opening period produced nine lead changes and two ties.

"Our bench lighted a spark," said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose team travels to Hofstra on Wednesday for an afternoon game. "(Ebone) Henry and (Julie) Forster were great. I like the character of this team. We struggled a little bit offensively, but we made shots when needed."

Dunson, a junior guard, finished with 13 points for the Terriers, who were held to 6-of-18 shooting from the field in the second half. UAlbany's Iromuanya had 12 points and seven rebounds, while Forster added a career-best 10.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information