Feb. 7, 2006

Box Score

HAMILTON, N.Y. (www.lafayette.edu) - Lafayette won the first 10 minutes of the second half decisively, but Colgate answered the Leopards' 13 point lead with a 26-2 run and won 80-71 in Patriot League women's basketball on Tuesday night at Cotterell Court.

Kristin Doherty scored nine of Lafayette's first 11 points after halftime on a trio of three-pointers as the Leopards quickly recovered from a 35-30 deficit at the break. A pair of free throws by Megan Ballard, who went to the foul line 21 times in the contest, accounted for Colgate's only points in the first 6:48 after intermission. The Leopards scored 16 points in that stretch, and 30 of the first 42 of the second half, to run out to a 60-47 lead with 9:59 remaining.

Colgate scored the next 21, sparked by seven points and a pair of steals from Ballard, and led 68-60 with 4:18 on the clock before a bucket by Lindsay Myers stopped the streak. Melanie Cargle hit a jumper and Gretchen Polinski scored five points on a three-pointer and a layup to keep the Raiders ahead, and Ballard made five-of-six from the line in the final minute to put the game away.

Lafayette received outstanding offensive performances from Kara Stetler (17 points), Doherty (16), Myers and Vanessa Van De Venter (13 each), who combined for 59 of Lafayette's 71 points. The Leopards recorded assists on 23 of their 27 field goals, with Myers accounting for seven, but turned the ball over 24 times. Lafayette shot 57 percent (27-of-47) from the floor, 60 percent (9-for-15) from three-point distance and 73 percent (8-for-11) at the free throw line.

Colgate went to the foul line 38 times, with Ballard making 14 of her 21 attempts on her way to a 25 point night. She also had six steals after entering the night leading the league with 3.8 per game. Polinski and Cargle also hit double figures with 17 and 13 points, respectively.

Lafayette will return to action on Saturday with a noon start at Navy.