Urbana Upsets No. 16 ODU, 52-51
Simms hits game winner at the buzzer
By Gene Clemons
URBANA, Ohio (Jan. 19, 2008) — The last time the Urbana University women’s basketball team took the court in the Grimes Center they saw a last second shot by freshman Jessica Byrd fall short and the Blue Knights fell to Cedarville University 72-71.

This afternoon they welcomed in AMC rival Ohio Dominican University. This time another newcomer, junior transfer Tia Simms, dropped in the game winning lay up with no time remaining for a 52-51 Blue Knight victory that sent the 16 th ranked Panthers back to Columbus with their first conference loss of the season

The first half began sloppy with both teams turning the ball over at an alarming rate. The iron was equally unkind to start the contest as both squads had trouble scoring baskets. With ten minutes gone in the first half Urbana and ODU, who normally average over 65 and 76 points respectively, had only scored a combined 28 points.

Down the stretch in the first half the turnovers continued and field goals remained scarce. ODU did most of their scoring behind the three point line going 5-for-7 in the first half. The Blue Knights were able to keep pace with a strong performance by Byrd who finished the first half with 13 points. Urbana went into halftime trailing the Panthers by a mere point, 28-27.

The second half began as the first ended, with ODU shooting lights out from the three point line. However, the Blue Knights kept pace with a tremendous defensive effort forcing ODU into 15 turnovers in the second stanza, including 9 steals.

Simms, who spent most of the first half on the bench in foul trouble, made her presence felt the entire second half on defense as well as offense. But none of her points and rebounds was as big as the last.

With only three seconds remaining the Blue Knights found themselves in an eerily familiar place, down by one. As the ball was passed into Byrd the defense came charging at her but instead of throwing up a prayer, the heady freshman, who netted a season high 19 points, passed to a streaking Simms who was able to get the ball out of her hand and into the basket as the buzzer sounded.

The win marks the second in conference play for Urbana (10-5, 2-2) and the first conference win at home this season. ODU was lead by Katalin Beck who scored 11 points to lead the team, and Amanda Ritzler who chipped in with 10.

Byrd led Urbana with a career-high 19 points. Simms finished the game with 11 points, seven rebounds, and six steals, one short of her season high. Junior forward Enisia Curry continued her solid season filling the stat sheet with 11 points, seven rebounds, three bocks, an assist and a steal.

The Blue Knights return to action on Tuesday as they hit the road to take on conference foe Walsh University. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.

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