Naama Shafir scored the last seven points for Toledo in the final minute but couldn't complete the comeback, Cincinnati held on to win 60 – 59. Shafir led all scorers with 16 points and added five assists.
Syracuse also won in overtime.
Cincinnati 60 – Toledo 59
Toledo trailed through out the game against the Big East opponent. The locals led 49-42 and the game seemed to be over, but Jessica Williams with back to back threes cut it to 48-51, with four minutes left. The game stayed close as Cincinnati hung on to the lead, 56-52 with 1:20 to play.
Shafir answered with a drive and a 3pt play. Cincinnati missed the front end of a 1 and 1, and Shafir drove all the way to the rim again to give her team its first lead of the 2nd half, 59-58 with 14 seconds left. The refs immediately called a foul on Toledo 70 feet away from the basket, and this time the locals made both free throws to go up 60-59. Toledo had no more timeouts and on the final possession Shafir drew triple team coverage, and passed the ball to the open player but her 3point attempt was off.
“Hopefully we use this game as a learning experience, but I’m so proud of the way they fought,” Toledo Head Coach Tricia Cullop said. “This team is a work in progress but the team is working hard all the time. We still have a lot learn, but we’re definitely moving in the right direction. You have to credit UC’s defense on that last play,” she continued, “rhey did a good job of covering Naama and not giving her a good luck at the basket.”
Toledo's next game will be on Wednesday at Cleveland State, who made it to the NCAA tournament last year.
Syracuse 82 - Portland State 77 (F/OT)
Syracuse got a dramatic win also in its home opener and improved to 3-1 on the season. Marisa Gobuty had a season high 4 points (1/2 2pt, 2/3 FTs), a rebound, an assist and a steal in 14 minutes.
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Courtesy of Toledo Athletics |