Dec. 29, 2008

SAN DIEGO - Junior G Amanda Gibson (Boulder Junction, WI) scored 21 points and dished five assists as the University of Wisconsin-Parkside defeated UMass Lowell, 57-54, Monday in the Surf `n Slam Women's Basketball Classic at San Diego City College's Harry West Gym.

With the loss, the River Hawks slipped to 4-5 overall and meet Mercyhurst Tuesday at 12:00 (3:00 Eastern time). Mercyhurst suffered a 73-58 loss to Wisconsin-Parkside on Sunday.

Junior F Jen Valente (Prospect, CT) led UMass Lowell with 14 points and six rebounds while shooting 7-12 from the floor. Junior G Megan Berry (Ipswich, MA) added 11 points on 4-7 field goal shooting while senior C Revital Carmon (Bat-Yam, Israel) grabbed 10 rebounds in addition to eight points and three blocked shots.

Freshman G Jadee Rooney (Markesan, WI) chipped in 14 points for UWP.

The River Hawks committed only 14 turnovers, but UWP was guilty of only 10, enabling the Rangers for a 16-9 scoring advantage off miscues. UWP also outscored the River Hawks 17-9 from the free throw line and grabbed 16 offensive rebounds opposed to UMass Lowell's seven.

UMass Lowell trailed 44-39 with 8:47 left, but responded with a 13-4 spurt - fueled by a pair of treys from Berry and five points from Carmon - to grab a 52-48 lead with 5:39 left to play.

The Rangers, however, ended the game with a 9-2 run, led by four points from Gibson, for the win.

Following its game with Mercyhurst Tuesday, the River Hawks return home Saturday against Saint Michael's (2:00).