BOONE, N.C.- Posting its best season in 14 years, Appalachian State University women's basketball looks to cap of the 2009-10 campaign on a historic note, as the Mountaineers head into the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitational championship game on Sunday. The contest between the Mountaineers and Memphis Tigers is slated for Sunday March 28 at 2 p.m. in the Holmes Center.
About the Apps: ASU was quite impressive Thursday evening, as the Mountaineers routed SoCon rival College of Charleston, beating CofC 77-58. It was a dominant first-half that was the difference-maker in the contest, as the Black and Gold took a commanding 40-18 lead into the break. Despite CofC trying to rally a second-half comeback, the Mountaineers were too much and rolled to a 77-58 victory.
Freshman Ashlen Dewart had a stellar outing, as she poured in 25 points on 9-18 shooting, while grabbing six rebounds. Anna Freeman was impressive as well, totaling 17 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting, while tying for a team-best nine rebounds.
Continuing with its monstrous play on the glass, ASU out-rebound College of Charleston 50-34.
The win not only gives the Black and Gold seven-straight at the Holmes Center, but it also advances the Apps to its first postseason championship game appearance since 1999.
Overall, Dewart scores a team-high 14.6 points per game, while Sam Ramirez chips in 13.1 and Anna Freeman pours in an average of 10.4 per game. On the boards, Freeman grabs an Appalachian-best 8.4 rebounds per game and Dewart hauls in 5.7.
Tracking the Tigers: Memphis is 20-13 overall and finished Conference USA play with a 10-6 mark. The Tigers are currently on a three-game winning streak, with all three victories coming in the Women's Basketball Invitational. The No.1 seeded Tigers in the West Region, beat UMKC, Wichita State and Texas A&M Corpus Christi to advance to the WBI championship game.
Previous to the WBI, Memphis lost to East Carolina 73-66 in the C-USA quarterfinals.
Memphis' leader offensively Brittany Carter, who averages a 18.9 points per game was named first team C-USA and the conference's newcomer of the year.
Teammate Ramses Lonlack picked up C-USA all-defensive team honors, while Nicole Dickson was named to the C-USA all-freshman squad. Also strong offensively, Alex Winchell and Dickson score an average of 9.3 and 9.2 points per game respectively.
A solid rebounding team, the Tigers' average 40.4 rebounds per contest, with Savannah Ellis grabbing a team-best 6.7.
Marshall is second in the C-USA in steals averaging 11.1 per game, and second in turnover margin at +3.27. A dismal free-throw shooting team, the Tigers shot 52.1 percent from the charity stripe.
Head coach Darcie Vincent wants to thank all the fans for coming out to Thursday's game and encourages them to make the same effort Sunday and pack the Holmes Center.
"It was nice to see large fan support at our game against College of Charleston on Thursday," Vincent said. "Our team really feeds off an exciting, loud atmosphere and I think that was evident. We are hoping that Sunday we can encourage even more fans and students to come to the Holmes Center and be loud and watch us battle Memphis for a chance at winning our first postseason championship since 1999. I honestly cannot thank the WBI enough for allowing us to be apart of its inaugural tournament and have the opportunity to win a title and a championship in Boone. So please come down to the Holmes Center Sunday, cheer us on and be loud and watch a what should be a great game between us and Memphis."
Yosef Club Reception: The Yosef club will be holding a reception at halftime of the game, with sodas and light refreshments available. All Yosef club members are invited to come to the game and the reception and cheer the Mountaineers on.
Ticket Information: Tickets for Sunday's contest are $5 for adults, $1 for youth 3-12 and free for all ASU students with a valid ASU ID. To purchase tickets click here.
