Mistakes Hurt Northridge Women, 74-52

The Cal State Northridge women’s basketball team was finally able to outshoot an opponent, a rarity this season, but 32 turnovers foiled the host Matadors in a 74-52 loss to Kentucky on Saturday.

Kentucky (6-4) made 19 steals to keep Northridge (0-11) winless for the season.

Northridge shot 39.7%, compared to 38.6% for the Wildcats, but Kentucky had 12 more shots because of the turnovers. Kentucky also had 21 free throws. The Matadors went to the line four times as Kentucky committed only 12 fouls.

Junior forward Shannon Crouse scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds and had six assists for Northridge.

Junior guard Carrie Dormire was the only other Matador in double figures (12).

The Matadors, who normally hold a height disadvantage, took advantage of Kentucky’s small guards to keep pace on rebounds.

Sarah Bell came off the bench to take nine, Dormire had eight and 6-foot-2 freshman center Sherry Ramirez added six.

Center Karri Koach scored 19 points and had eight rebounds for Kentucky. Shaunda Roberts came off the bench to add 18 points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes.

Kentucky took control early with a 17-4 run, helped by six Matador turnovers over a six-minute span. The Matadors were able to stay within 12 points for several minutes, until a 14-0 run late in the first half, sparked by junior guard Christina Jansen, gave Kentucky a 39-13 lead.

Jansen, who started and ended the surge with three-point shots, scored all 13 of her points in the first half.

Northridge committed 18 turnovers before the intermission as Kentucky established a 42-20 lead. The Matadors had trouble dealing with the Wildcats’ three-guard defense.

Jansen and senior guard Stacey Reed each had five steals.

Crouse had 11 points as the Matadors were able to force 11 Kentucky turnovers in the second half. The Wildcats finished with 19.

Northridge freshman Tannea Nelson injured her right knee late in the first half and did not return.