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Cal women stop IUP, create logjam atop PSAC West

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CALIFORNIA – It has been a simple formula for the Indiana University women’s basketball team to be at the top of the PSAC West Division standings. The Crimson Hawks are undefeated (12-0) when they shoot a better percentage than their opponents.

California, however, prevented the Crimson Hawks from getting into any sort of offensive rhythm as the Vulcans forced 21 turnovers Wednesday night, moving into a share of the West Division lead with a 57-44 win at the Convocation Center.

“They are in first place and that’s where we want to be,” said fifth-year California head coach Jess Strom. “We pride ourselves on defense, and despite a couple of lapses, I thought we played a great defensive game for the first time all year.”

Cal’s victory moves the Vulcans into a three-way tie for first place in the West with IUP and Gannon. All three teams are 11-4 in the conference.

The pressure the Vulcans (13-5 overall) created on defense led to a 20-5 advantage in points scored off turnovers while limiting IUP to 34 percent shooting (17 of 50).

“I give (California) a lot of credit,” said IUP head coach Tom McConnell. “I thought they played very well and were aggressive. We played hard and defended for the most part, but offensively just struggled to score. They took us out of the things we wanted to do tonight.”

Despite early issues handling the ball, the Crimson Hawks shared the lead most of the first half. A mid-range jumper from California’s Miki Glenn allowed the Vulcans to take a 31-26 advantage at halftime.

Playing two quarters hasn’t been an issue for the Vulcans, but playing a full, 40-mintue game is something that has often escaped them. Putting together a complete game, both offensively and defensively, was something Strom has been wanting from her team all season. Cal was outscored 43-26 in the second and third quarters in a Dec. 16 loss at IUP, 78-72.

The Vulcans were able to avoid let up, outscoring the Crimson Hawks by 17 points in those same quarters Wednesday, playing in front of home crowd that has only seen three losses over the last two seasons.

“We weren’t able to do some of the things that allowed us to pull away last time,” said McConnell. “We were able to drive the basketball and get some good looks at the basket. Tonight was just the opposite, they were able to make the plays that were needed.”

Making most of those plays in the third quarter for California was sophomore Shatara Parsons, who scored 10 of the Vulcans’ 22 points. A three-pointer from California’s Paige Wright at the 5:37 mark in the third quarter allowed the Vulcans to extend their lead to 46-32.

“Our intensity was way better in this game,” said Parsons. “Everything we were doing last time we played IUP was somewhat slow.”

Slow wasn’t a description the Vulcans would describe for the rematch as they were able to score 10 fast-break points.

The only form of consistent offense by IUP (14-5) was from Leslie Stapleton, who went eight of 10 from the field and made all four of her three-pointers, resulting in a team-high 21 points. Stapleton was the only Crimson Hawk to reach double-figures.

“She is a really good offensive player,” said McConnell. “We have to do a better job creating better scoring opportunities for her, just to get her more looks.”

California was able to find secondary scoring from Glenn and Precious Martin, who had 14 and 13 points, respectively.

“We have been playing better and a lot of our players are young and inexperienced,” said Strom. “If tonight is any indication, we are starting to gel defensively. Hopefully, that continues into Saturday and the rest of the season. It comes down to learning and getting better every single day.”

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