Rams Hand Devils a Tough Loss

The Philadelphia University women's basketball team came into USP's Bobby Morgan Arena having won their last two games and made it three in a row as they defeated the Devils 72-67 this evening.

The loss dropped the Devils into a tie with Philadelphia University in the conference standing with 9-4 records. USP fell to 10-6 overall while Philadelphia University improved to 11-5.

The Devils were led by Shelby Rance’s (Jr., Central Columbia HS/ Bloomsburg, PA) 24 points. Rance also had six rebounds and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Leah Shumoski (Sr., Marple-Newtown HS/Broomall, PA) added 10 points and 12 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season. Rashanna Edwards (Jr., West Windsor-Plainsboro HS/Cherry Hill, NJ) also scored 10 points for USP and dished out a game high seven assists. Shumoski also had three assists, three steals and two blocked shots.

Meg Abele paced the Rams with 20 points (9-9 FT) and seven rebounds. Ashley Webster and Nicole Mechell added 16 points while Alisha Ferguson chipped in 12.

After a first half which saw the Devils and Rams head into the locker room knotted at 33-all, USP came out and took a five point lead on a short jumper and a 'trey' by Rance. USP still led by five 42-37 before the Rams went on an 8-3 run to knot things up again at 45-45 with 11:02 left.

The Rams took their first lead of the second half, 53-51 on a pair of Abele free throws at the 7:23 mark and boosted their lead to four 57-53 at the 6:22 mark, before the Devils rallied to take a slim one point lead 60-59 with 3:41 left.

Abele hit two free throws two start a 7-0 Ram run to boost Philadelphia's lead to six, 66-60 with 2:03 left. Edwards' three point field goal brought the Devils within three 66-63 at the 1:14 mark. Philadelphia went to the foul line and was a perfect 6-for-6 over the final 1:09 to seal the win, 72-67.

The Rams finished the game making 27 of 29 shots from the charity stripe (93.1%). USP was 14-19 from the line (73.7%). The Devils were outshot 43.1% to 35.2% and held a 44-34 advantage on the boards.

The Devils take to the road for their next game, a crucial CACC matchup at Dominican College on Saturday, January 28, 2006. Tip off is scheduled for 1 p.m.