Turnovers Plague Beavers As They Visit the OC

The Beavers had a less than fine showing as they headed south into Orange County to take on Hope International University. Turnovers were the big stat stacked against the Beavers as Hope helped force 33 TOs. Unfortunately for Tech not all the TOs were the result of Hope's defense, with close to half self-inflicted. The relentless ball pressure and banging in the paint made Hope a tough order for the Beavers.

Usually slow to start, the Beavers got off to a solid start, staying with Hope for the first six plus minutes of the game. Neck and neck at a lightning fast pace, the Beavers looked strong. Shooting 10 of 23 for 43% in the half, Tech thought they were finding a groove. Then as quickly as it started, it turned and the battle slipped away on a round of turnovers stemming from passing errors created by the ‘in your face' defense Hope's guards were pouring on in the back court. Tech went in to half time down 20.

The second half is routinely in favor of the Beavers, but tonight the game plan got lost as Hope kept up its physical and charismatic play. Possession after possession for the first few minutes of the second period went in favor of Hope and after a 15-0 run; the Beavers were left in Hope's dust. HIU forced 16 of the turnovers in the half and tallied up another 11 steals to distance themselves from Tech. Hope's size in the paint, especially the most physical play Tech has seen this season, wore down the interior and opened the perimeter, leaving Tech exhausted and without a way to stop the damage.

Tech's bright spot was the play of post player Krissy Dahl. Holding her own against Hope's big, a transfer who red shirted a year and played a year at Division 1 CSU Fullerton, Dahl scored a team high of 16 points. Dahl was 5 of 6 from the floor at the half, and went on to post a very respectable shooting night with 7 of 15. Dahl pulled down six boards and swatted one Hope attempt. Senior Lisa Yee was able to add 12 points and 9 rebounds to the total. Yee shot 50% from the floor, going 5 for 10. Only three other baskets were recorded for Tech that weren't on the Dahl/Yee stat line. In every other game this season, other players had been able to step up enough to take the pressure off the duo, but the other three players on the court were unable to find the rhythm they needed.

Caltech is back in action this weekend as they head out to Claremont Mudd Scripps for the Caltech CMS Holiday Classic. An annual tournament co hosted by Caltech and CMS, Tech will take on Knox College on Saturday at 12 noon and Buena Vista University on Sunday at 2pm.

GO TECH!!!

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