Lady Blue defense leads to fifth straight win

Jan. 31, 2004

Box Score

TOPEKA - The No. 10 Washburn Lady Blues won their fifth straight with a 56-40 win over Missouri Western in Lee Arena Saturday night.

Western's 40 points were the fewest by a Washburn opponent in an MIAA since Lincoln fell 89-38 to Washburn Feb. 14, 1990. The 40 points were also the fewest in the all-time series for the Griffons against the Lady Blues.

After falling behind on Danielle McKinley's basket 2-0, Washburn surged to a 16-5 lead with 13:16 left in the opening half to cap a 16-3 run. Western pulled within 27-21 at the half.

Brooke Ubelaker helped the Lady Blues pull away down the stretch by scoring 12 of her team-high 13 points in the second half. Ubelaker also posted the second double-double of her career with 10 rebounds. Montoya Whitfield added 12 points.

Washburn won its fourth straight over Missouri Western and snapped a four-game skid in Lee Arena against the Griffons. The Griffons handed WU its only home loss each of the last two seasons.

Washburn is back in action 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Lee Arena against Pittsburg State.