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miami women's basketball
Jackson's 27 helps MU topple Temple
Coach calls victory over Atlantic 10 power team's biggest non-MAC win since 2002 Michigan State upset.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
OXFORD — Miami's 70-53 victory Wednesday night over the Temple Owls was more than a good win over a good team.
"Out of our pre-(Mid-American Conference) season wins, this is probably the most exciting for me since our Michigan State win five seasons ago," Miami head coach Maria Fantanarosa said.
Extras
On Nov. 24, 2002, the RedHawks scored an 86-84 upset at Michigan State in the Spartan Chevrolet Classic.
On Wednesday, Amanda Jackson scored 27 points at Millett Hall as the RedHawks took a hard grip on their game against Temple late in the first half and never let go.
"It was a well-executed game at both ends," the senior said. "A good team win. It feels good."
Especially after what happened last Saturday and Sunday at the University of Texas at San Antonio New Year's Classic.
The RedHawks lost a double-overtime decision to their hosts despite a 43-point performance by Jackson (which broke Miami's single-game scoring record) and then lost to Chattanooga when Jackson, whose eye had been scratched the night before, missed the game.
"Although we were 0-2, we played well in Texas," Fantanarosa said, "and the confidence we got tonight from playing well and winning, I hope it pays big dividends."
Miami (8-6) also got a big game from junior Jenna Schone, who finished with
12 points and seven assists.
"Everything (Temple) does is so explosive," Fantanarosa said. "I knew I had to stay focused and confident for 40 minutes, but I was able to stay comfortable because A.J. and Jenna are great leaders."
Jackson hit 13-of-14 free throws.
"We shoot a lot of free throws in practice, and I focus on that because I know people are going to foul me," said Jackson, who is one of the more explosive players in MAC history in terms of driving to the basket and creating her own shots.
Laura Markwood came through with eight points, 10 rebounds and four steals, Stephanie Ford had eight rebounds and two blocked shots, and Courtney Reed added eight points and three steals for Miami.
Kristie Watkins-Day scored 10 points for Temple (7-8), which has made the NCAA tourney four straight years.
Miami will open MAC action Wednesday at home against Buffalo.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.
