PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (1/27/12) – The University of Pennsylvania Women’s basketball team got its first Ivy League win of the season, and evened its season record at 8 – 8 as Penn beat Columbia 75 – 50 at the Palestra. Freshman forward Renee Busch led the team with a game-high 20 points and grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds. Four other Penn players scored in double figures.
Penn started quickly in the game going out to a 10 – 2 lead just two and a half minutes into the game. Later in the half a 13 – 4 run put Penn ahead 30 – 14 that the Red and Blue rode to a 37 – 24 halftime advantage. In the second half the defense took over as Penn held Columbia scoreless for almost a six minute span. Meanwhile a 14 – 2 run keyed by four three-pointers put Penn in command the rest of the way. Sophomore guard Meghan McCullough had two trey’s while Freshman forward Katy Allen and Busch had the other shots from distance. Columbia made 18 of 53 field goal attempts shooting 34%.
The 75 point outburst was the most points scored by Penn in a regulation game this season.
In addition to Busch Sophomore guard Alyssa Baron hit double figures with 13 points. Freshman forward Kara Bonenberger put in 10 points. Allen scored 12 points and Freshman guard Jackie Kates had 10. Penn made 10 of 21 three-point attempts. The Red and Blue out-rebounded Columbia 40 – 32. The 16 Columbia turnovers resulted in a 15 – 9 advantage for Penn in points off turnovers.
The game saw the return of Penn Senior forward and co-captain Jess Knapp from injury. Knapp has two torn ligaments in her knee. She played 11 minutes and had 2 rebounds.
Penn returns to league play on Sunday, January 29 with a matinée game against Cornell.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
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