DETROIT, Mich. – The University of Michigan-Dearborn (1-0) women's basketball team had three players record double-digit points in their opening night victory over Indiana University Kokomo (0-1) on Thursday (Oct. 27).
UM-Dearborn Leaders
The Wolverines drilled six triples on the night, with Brooklyn Taylor draining two of her own. Dearborn shot 9-11 (81.8%) from the charity stripe and outrebounded the Cougars 46-43. Maya Barakat led the Wolverines in scoring, pouring in 13 points, all in the second half. Siena Smith recorded a double-double with 10 points and cleaned 11 boards off the glass. Barakat added seven boards, four of which came on the offensive end. Taylor chipped in 10 points and five boards to round out the Wolverines' notable performances.
IU Kokomo Leaders
Shamaria Walker led all scorers with 14 points on 5-11 from the floor. Alaya Chapman was the only other Cougar in double digits as she recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.
Inside the Game
Siena Smith started the season on a high note as she ripped nine first-quarter points on 4-6 shooting. Smith also recorded five first-quarter rebounds. Despite her hot start, the Wolverines led by just three points at the end of the first. However, the Wolverine bench came alive in the second quarter scoring 10 of the team's 15 points. Dearborn took their biggest lead of the game when Lily Miller drained a pair of free-throws to take a 26-16 lead with 3:05 to go in the half. However, the Cougars would go on a 10-3 run to end the half, and UM-D would lead 29-26 into the locker room.
The Cougars gave the Wolverines some fits with their half-court defense in the third quarter as they would force Dearborn into eight third-quarter turnovers. Despite the defensive success, the Cougars led by just four points going into the final quarter.
Head Coach Brooke Bowers made the necessary adjustments, and her team responded, rattling off four consecutive points to tie the contest at 41. The Cougars would try to escape the Wolverines by going on an 8-0 run over the next two minutes, but it would not be enough as the Wolverines rode the back of Barakat to the finish line. Barakat scored eight fourth-quarter points and gave the Wolverines two crucial free throws down the stretch to close out the Cougars 53-50.
Up Next
The Wolverines travel to play Grace College in a non-conference matchup on Saturday (Oct. 29). Tip-off is set for 8 pm.
