Spirit second half trips up Fury
Published on February 6, 2003 under National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) News Release
After a disappointing exhibition loss to the Tennessee Fury on Tuesday, The Springfield Spirit came home to open the long awaited Regular Season at the Civic Center. No more intra-squad games, no more exhibitions. The crowd was small but vocal. Opening the first half, the Fury came out strong. They were playing a fast paced game that it seemed the Spirit could not keep up with. Tonya Washington and Semeka Randall each had 14 points in the 1st half. At one point the Fury posted a 16 point lead, But the Spirit lead by Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird came back to cut the lead to 8 at the half.
After what must have been a "Spirited" halftime talk from Coach Mastrio, Springfield came out with a vengeance. The tired Fury just could not keep up. Lobo, Bird and Swin Cash were a combined 27-43 from the field. 5 minutes into the half the spirit had tied the game, and did not look back from there. By the time the game ended the Spirit had scored 97 points to the Fury's 87. Lobo finished the game with 25 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Sue Bird with 23 points and 12 assists. The Fury's Tonya Washington went 14-25 and 4-8 from 3pt range for 32 points.
The Spirit will rest for a week and host the Chicago Blaze next Thursday February 13th at the Springfield Civic Center and the Birmingham Power, Friday February 14th at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Tickets are still available for both games. Friday's game will be broadcasted on the internet by WSRN (www.sportsradionet.com)
The Fury will be returning home to face the Birmingham Power in their home opener at Maryville college on Thursday February13th.
The NWBL is a Professional women's basketball league with franchises in Springfield, MA; Knoxville, TN; Chicago, IL; Birmingham, AL; Houston, TX and Grand Rapids, MI. The League boasts some of the best players in women' s basketball today, including, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Sheryl Swoopes, Swin Cash, Kara Wolters, Tina Thompson, Rebecca Lobo, and Becky Hammon.
National Women's Basketball League Stories from February 6, 2003
- Spirit second half trips up Fury - NWBL
- Too much Spirit, not enough Fury - Dallas Fury
- Fury to face Spirit in NWBL Season Opener - Dallas Fury
- Chicago Blaze Set To Open 2003 Season - Chicago Blaze
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