University of St. Thomas Athletics
Gustavus Adolphus
Women's Hoops wins 77-61; will host Sat. finals
2/27/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Senior Carrie Embree had 25 points and led a game-closing 17-2 run over the final 5:55 as second-seed St. Thomas earned a trip to the MIAC women's basketball playoff championship game with Wednesday night's 77-61 victory over third-seed Gustavus at UST's Schoenecker Arena.
Junior Jessica Katch had 12 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and five blocks for the Tommies (20-6), who have won nine of their last 10 games.
Soph Sheena Porter Wrzos had 11 of her 13 points in the second half and added five rebounds, five assists and four steals. Junior Chelsea Wirtz sank four treys and finished with 12 points
UST will host fourth-seed Carleton in Saturday's 3 p.m., championship game. The Knights upset top-seed St. Ben's 64-60 Wednesday night in St. Joseph. St. Thomas is now 10-2 at home this season and reached the playoff finals for the first time since 2001.
Senior guard Jess Vadnais scored 14 of her team-high 19 points in the second half for the Gusties (18-9), who shot 32% in the second half and had only one basket in the final 8:30. Katie Layman scored 12 points -- all in the first half. Gustavus had a seven-game win streak at Schoenecker Arena halted.
St. Thomas shot 57% from the field and outrebounded the Gusties 35-22. The Tommies broke to an early 20-10 lead but trailed 39-36 at halftime.
Click here for box score:
http://www.tommiesports.com/wbb/stats/2-27-wbb.htm
Click here on Thursday to view or purchase Greg Smith action photos:
Jenny Gillard, Jazmin Townsend and Andi Olson cheer on the Toms. (Greg Smith photo)
Carrie Embree battles GAC's Briana Radtke. (Greg Smith photo)
Carrie Embree drives for two of her 25 points. Greg Smith photo)
Becky Theisen had six big points off the bench. (Greg Smith photo)
