Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Long Island
Women's Basketball Cruises Past Long Island, 79-58
12/21/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 21, 2001
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Central Michigan women's basketball team advanced to the championship game at the Southwest Lobo Shootout by topping Long Island on Friday night, 79-58.
Kendra Martin (Muskegon Heights/Jr.) had the hot hand from the floor. She tallied a career-high 31 points in the win. She shot an astounding 12-for-21 (.572) from the floor and hit on 5-of-7 (.714) treys.
Martin's 31-point effort is the eighth-best, individual-game effort by a Chippewa. Her name goes beside Nikki Thompkins, Tracy Renken and Joni Daniels, all who had 31-point nights.
Desiree Eidson (Bowling Green, Ohio/Jr.) was in twin-scoring numbers for the seventh straight game with 22 points and Vershaun Jones (Detroit/Sr.) posted her fourth double-double on the season. She had 10 points and 11 boards. Jones also nabbed five of the team's 11 steals.
The Chippewas improve to 7-2 on the season.
CMU built an eight-point lead in the first seven minutes of action but a 15-6 surge by Long Island knotted the game at 25 at the 5:24 mark. However, CMU re-assumed control of the game with a scoring drive of its own. The Chippewas closed the half with a 12-2 run and had a 10-point lead at the half, 37-27.
The Central lead hovered around the 10-point margin the first nine minutes of play in the second half. However, the Chippewas turned it up one notch in the last 10 minutes of play. They went on a 21-9 scoring spurt to put Long Island's hopes on ice. CMU cruised to the 21-point win.
The Chippewas return to the hardwood on Saturday, Dec.22, when they take on New Mexico,who topped St. Bonaventure in the first round. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. (MST).
