Stealth Moves into Second Place

Published on April 2, 2003 under National Women's Basketball League (NWBL)
Houston Stealth News Release


A game labeled as a "battle for second place" turned into a rout as the Houston Stealth defeated the Chicago Blaze 92-75 at Hofheinz Pavilion. With the win, the Stealth improves its record to 11-9 and moves into second place a half-game ahead of the Blaze (10-9). The top two teams receive a bye in the first round of next week's Pro Cup Championship; so, Houston, currently, would only have to win two games to defend its 2002 Pro Cup Championship.

"I thought we just played harder than they did," said Stealth head coach John Chancellor. "When it was time to put the game away, we were able to do that."

The Stealth jumped out to a 6-0 lead thanks to a jump shot from forward Sheryl Swoopes; two free throws from Michelle Snow; and a jump shot from Snow.

The Blaze tied the game twice (at 8-8 and 10-10) before Houston went on a 19 to 6 run to lead 29-16 with 8:53 left in the first half. Chicago responded with a 7-0 to cut the Stealth's margin to six (29-23).

Houston finished the half strong to lead 48 to 36 at halftime.

Tina Thompson scored 15 points in the first half; and Michelle Snow added 14. Houston shot 47.5% (19 for 40) from the field and forced Chicago into 11 turnovers in the period.

"All of a sudden," added coach Chancellor. "We started clicking on all cylinders; started running; and that worked out well for us."

Chicago's forward Mfon Udoka keyed a 9-2 run to begin the second half which brought the Blaze to within 5 (50-45) with 16:44 remaining in the game.

The Stealth responded with a 14-3 run to boost its lead sixteen (64-48) with 12:11 left. Balanced scoring keyed the burst as Tamicha Jackson scored 7; Snow added 4; forward Octavia Blue and Thompson each scored 2; and Swoopes added a free throw.

Chicago did not give up. The Blaze narrowed Houston's lead to 9 (71-62) with 7:04 left on the clock. Chicago's Dominique Canty led the comeback with 9 of her team's 14 points.

Then, Houston's WNBA All-Stars stepped up and delivered the knockout punch.

"With seven minutes to go, they (Tina and Sheryl) led the charge; we answered the call; we all picked it up.

The Stealth finished the game with a 21 to 13 closing kick to win 92-75.

Five players scored in double figures for Houston: Thompson, 25; Snow, 22; swing player Kelley Gibson, 12; Swoopes and Jackson 10 points each.

Chicago placed four in double figures: Mfon Udoka and guard Anna DeForge each scored 15; forward Camille Cooper, 13; and Canty, 11.

Michelle Snow was the game's leading rebounder with 12 boards.

While the Stealth's regular season is complete, Chicago has three games remaining.

"They've got 3 more games," answered coach Chancellor. "We'll have to see what happens after their 3 games to see where we are."

"Next weekend (April 11 - 13), we go to Springfield for the tournament. It'd be nice if we could finish second and get that first-round bye. But, either way, we have to play them all anyway. We've done it before (in 2002)."

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National Women's Basketball League Stories from April 2, 2003


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