Springfield Spirit Edges Stealth

Published on February 26, 2003 under National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Houston Stealth News Release


The Springfield Spirit edged the Houston Stealth 79-72 in front of an enthusiastic crowd filled with Stealth supporters. Stealth head coach John Chancellor summarized his feelings after the game, "We just can't get a break. We just played so hard."

The game was nip-and-tuck as the lead changed hands sixteen times and included eight ties. Houston led 37-32 at halftime thanks to 16 points from superstar forward Sheryl Swoopes and 13 points from forward Octavia Blue. Rebecca Lobo led Springfield with 8 first half points.

A big key to the turnaround in the second half for the Spirit was the switch to zone defense.

"Their (Springfield) moving to a zone was very effective, coach Chancellor said". It was great coaching move. It slowed down our offense. We just struggled against a zone. That was the biggest difference."

Springfield Spirit head coach Eileen Mastrio stated, "We came out (to start the second half) in a zone just to protect our taller people inside and really force Houston to make some shots instead of driving down the lane or getting to the line. That was a big adjustment we made it halftime and it worked real well for us."

Swoopes was the game's leading scorer with 35 points (15 for 29 from the field).

Springfield forward Swin Cash was the high-scorer for the Spirit with 20 points (including 18 in the second half). Guard Nicole Conway provided a big boost to Springfield's offense with 16 points on 7 for 9 shooting.

Leading 57-55, Swin Cash took over. She scored Springfield's next 9 points to give the Spirit a 66 to 60 lead. Swoopes scored seven of Houston's next 12 points to cut Springfield's lead to three points (75-72) with 14.9 seconds left. However, Swoopes missed a game-tying three-pointer and Springfield added the final 4 points of the game for the 79-72 victory.

Springfield's record improves to 6-2 with the win while the Stealth's record falls to 1-5.

The two teams square off again Thursday, February 27, in Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena.

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National Women's Basketball League Stories from February 26, 2003


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