Aggie women fall to No. 8 Wildcats
By: Brad Bennett
Issue date: 2/19/04 Section: Sports
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Kansas State's women's basketball team proved why it is No. 8 in the nation right now by overcoming a 13-point first-half deficit to beat the Aggies, 59-56, Wednesday night at Reed Arena.
"They made plays, and that is why they are No. 8 and we are looking to get in (the rankings)," said A&M head coach Gary Blair.
Junior guard Laurie Koehn was five-for-six in three-point field goals in the second half, four of which came during Kansas State's comeback run.
"I had some really good looks; I think it is mainly because they were doubling down on Ohlde," Koehn said. "I think everyone was assisted as usual so credit goes to (my team)."
The Aggies (8-16, 1-12 Big 12) led by 13 in the first half, holding a near 10-point lead for almost 10 minutes.
"(A&M is) definitely a very aggressive defensive team, and in the first half we panicked," Wildcat junior guard Megan Malhoney said.
The Aggies' first point in the second half came from a free-throw by senior point guard Toccara Williams at 11:59, and the first hit from the floor came at 11:30, during which time Kansas State (19-3, 10-1) scored 16.
"They were executing and being in their spots at the right time," said Aggie junior guard Charlette Castile.
Kansas State head coach Deb Patterson said she made no changes defensively in the second half and focused on the transition offense and getting better shots.
"I wasn't displeased with our defense in the first,"Patterson said.
Kansas State increased its shooting percentage from 34.8 percent to 72.2 percent in the second half, while A&M's percentage dropped from 37.5 percent to 28.6 percent.
Blair said unlike other recent defeats in close games, Wednesday's loss came (was) due to sloppy playing by his team.
"You get what you deserve,"Blair said. "After Texas Tech, Iwas
frustrated, this game I'm upset."
Blair said his team should have been up by more at the end of the first half and simple mistakes, such as A&M sophomore forward Tamea Scales' step out of bounds, should not have happened.
Blair said the officiating in the game was good, but a missed call by the officials in the final minute contributed to the Aggies' defeat.
The players' performance is his responsiblity, Blair said.
"Any mistakes they made I am part of,"Blair said.
Castile had a career-high 16 points in 37 minutes. Williams had a career-high 11 assists and scored 20 points.
The Aggies out-rebounded Kansas State 33-30 with Aggie senior post Lynn Classen playing a career-high 37 minutes.
Kansas State forward Megan Mahoney led the Wildcats with nine rebounds.
The Aggies will travel to Lawrence, Kan., to take on the University of Kansas Saturday at 7 p.m.
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