March 12, 2006
Women's Basketball
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SYCAMORES FALL JUST SHORT IN VALLEY TOURNEY FINAL

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Indiana State was charged with a daunting task in order to win its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship. It had to win on the home court of a red-hot Missouri State team that had come-from-behind on three previous tournament nights. It came back on a fourth night, to down ISU, 64-55, and earn the league tournament championship. ISU is now 26-5, while Missouri State is 17-14.

Trailing 27-23 at the half, Indiana State cranked things up in the early going of the second stanza. ISU led 41-39 with 9:01 left in the game, and went on a 6-0 spurt to take its largest lead of the game, 47-39, with 6:32 left.

Missouri State forged its way back on a pair of free throws by Breton Wyett to knot the game for the final time at 49, with 2:52 showing on the clock.

The Lady Bears used a 9-0 spurt, littered mostly with Kari Koch free throws to stretch their lead out behind reach.

Melanie Boeglin played her heart out in defeat, scoring a game-high 18 points. The Valley’s all-time assists and steals leader, added to those categories with five assists and a steal in the game. Sophomore Laura Rudolphi provided a spark as well with a double-double, posting 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rudolphi also added four blocked shots in her best defensive effort of the game.

ISU turned the ball over just 11 times in the contest, but shot only 32.8% for the game. The Lady Bears countered with a 39.6% shooting effort of their own.

Indiana State must now wait for Selection Monday to find out their fate. ESPN will broadcast the tournament selection show live beginning at 7:00 p.m. (EST) tomorrow. By virtue of its MVC regular season championship, the Sycamores have received an automatic bid into the WNIT, if they are not selected for the NCAA Tournament.

Game Statistics