Top-Seeded Notre Dame Stops USIU in Women’s NIT, 86-61
Notre Dame, the top seed in the women’s National Invitational Tournament, made short work of United States International University Thursday night here, winning 86-61, in the opening round.
The Irish (22-7) cruised to a 46-32 halftime lead behind their powerful front line, out-performing USIU (23-8) in every offensive category. Notre Dame hit 55% from the floor to the Gulls’ 38% and out-rebounded them, 49-32.
Notre Dame’s 6-2 center Sandy Botham led all scorers with 22 points, assisted by forwards Trena Keys, who scored 19 points, and Heidi Brunek, a reserve who totaled 16 points and 16 rebounds.
Leading USIU as usual was senior forward Toya DeCree, even though her 15 points were below her 21 points-per-game average. Amanda Spry added 14 points and Sonya Carter scored 13.
USIU will play Fresno State in the consolation round today. The No. 4-seeded Bulldogs (21-7) lost to Idaho, 71-64, in the opening round.
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