Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State
UTEP
Furious Comeback Leads UTEP Past Women's Basketball 62-60
1/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 26, 2001
EL PASO, Texas - Katie Pyle had 15 of her 17 points in the second half as UTEP rose from the dead to defeat Fresno State 62-60 at the Don Haskins Center. The loss drops FS to 6-12 (2-4 WAC) while the Miners improve to 7-12 (3-5 WAC).
The Bulldogs thoroughly dominated UTEP through the game's first 30 minutes, leading 33-17 at halftime and holding a double-digit lead the first 10 minutes of the second stanza. When Lindsay Logan connected with Laura Paukert on a layup with 10:11 to play in the game, Fresno State took a 50-32 lead, its largest of the game. It seemed the Bulldogs were totally in control at the moment, but seconds later things began to unravel quickly. The Miners suddenly found life, streaking to a 14-2 run over the next three minutes, closing the gap to 52-46 with 7:02 to go.
And while UTEP was gaining confidence by the second, the Bulldogs couldn't stop the bleeding. Andi Gray capped a 24-5 run over a 6:07 span when she hit one of two free throws, giving the Miners their first lead of the game at 56-55 with 3:48 to go.
But Fresno State steadied itself and got a three-pointer from Omelogo Udeze and a jumper from Laura Paukert to go ahead 60-56 with 1:52 left. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, those would be the last points they would score on this evening. A Sunny Guild free throw with 1:44 remaining cut it to 60-57. On UTEP's ensuing possession, Katie Pyle hit her fifth three-pointer of the second half to tie the score at 60-60.
On Fresno State's next possession, a turnover gave the ball back to UTEP with 49 seconds left. The Miners made the Bulldogs pay, with Amy Pack converting an off-balance 10-foot leaner with two seconds on the shot clock, giving UTEP a 62-60 advantage with 23 seconds left.
Fresno State had one more opportunity, but Channan High's hook shot in the lane with 5 seconds left was off the mark, sending the Miners into a frenzied celebration at midcourt.
Omelogo Udeze scored 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead both teams. Lindsay Logan had 16 points and was vital in helping the Bulldogs establish their big lead in the first half. For Logan, it marked the 18th time in 18 games she has scored in double figures. FS also committed a season-low 12 turnovers.
Pyle's 17 points, 15 of which came on second half three-pointers, were a key role in UTEP's comeback victory. Also contributing was Amy Pack, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Pack was also stellar in the second half, scoring 12 points and adding seven rebounds.
The loss kept an unfortunate streak alive for Fresno State. The Bulldogs have never won a road game in the state of Texas, with tonight's loss dropping them to 0-17 in the Lone Star State.
Next for the Bulldogs is a game against SMU on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the North Gym.
