Central Michigan University Athletics
Long Leads Chippewas Past Chanticleers, 96-42
12/4/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Box Score
EVANSVILLE, Ind. -- Senior Shonda Long moved into second on Central Michigan's career three-pointers made list and finished with a game-high 20 points in a 96-42 victory over Coastal Carolina in the opening round of the Aces Classic, hosted by the University of Evansville, at Roberts Stadium on Friday.
The Chippewas (5-2) led 30-4 just 10 minutes into the contest and would expand on a 48-17 halftime lead over the Chanticleers (4-3), who shot just 21 percent in the contest.
"We came out of the gates real fast," head coach Sue Guevara said. "We had a lot of energy and had a great shootaround. We hit some threes early and that really spurred us on. Defensively we were able to limit their chances and played well."
Long led four players in double-figures for the Maroon and Gold. She hit five threes, passing former teammate Angel Chan for second with 173 triples, and went 7-for-10 from the floor.
Freshman Niki DiGuilio hit four threes of her own to finish with 12 points. Sophomore Jalisa Olive (10 points) and Taylor Johnson (13) combined for 23 of CMU's 38 bench points.
CMU connected at 51 percent from the field and hit 13 threes (13-for-23, 57 percent). The Maroon and Gold held CCU to its season-best field goal percentage against, including just 18 percent from three (4-for-22).
Senior Kaihla Szunko, who entered the weekend second in the nation in rebounds, finished with nine points, six rebounds, five assists and five steals in just 17 minutes.
All 11 active players saw at least nine minutes of action, and 10 players scored at least three points. Its the second time this season CMU has connected on 13 or more three-pointers, the sixth-time under Guevara.
"Our bench was able to get some extended minutes," Guevara said. "It was good for them to get up and down the floor. Down the road that will definitely help us. We had contributions from everyone tonight, especially defensively, and we had a good intensity level throughout the game."
The Chippewas advance to face the winner of tonight's game between host Evansville and Valparaiso on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
