Rockets struggle in 81-71 loss to Vikings

In a high-scoring shootout, the University of Toledo women just couldn’t keep up, falling 81-71 in last Friday’s season-opener at Cleveland State.

The loss drops the Rockets to 0-1 on the season and 21-20 all-time in season-openers.

The Vikings lit up the court from beyond the arch, knocking down 11 treys, which would be the difference-maker in Friday’s contest. Cleveland State guard Cori Coleman led the way with 20 points and was four-of-seven from three-point land.

Forward Imani Gordon contributed 16 points with nine boards to seal the Rockets’ fate.

“They are playing four to five guards at once which is tough for us,” said Toledo head coach Tricia Cullop. “At sometimes we did well with it and at others we didn’t, we’re still trying to learn to play with each other and get in tune with each other.”

The young UT squad showed sparks of life. Sophomore center Sophie Reecher notched 14 points to go along with 15 rebounds for her first collegiate double-double.

“I want to compliment Sophie Reecher, I thought she had one of the best games shes had in a Toledo uniform,” Cullop said. “What we need is more people to step up and help us so it’s not all on her shoulders.”

Junior Ana Capotosto and freshman Jay Bravo-Harriott each contributed 11 points off the bench.

Toledo shot the ball well from the field but struggled matching the Vikings’ three-point attack, shooting only 29.4 percent behind the arch. The Rockets held a slight edge in rebounding but struggled to take care of the ball, committing 12 turnovers.

“I really think our best days are ahead of us,” Cullop said. “Obviously I want it quicker than it’s going to happen, but I think if we continue to work hard it will come. But we still have a lot of work to do.”

In the first half, the teams stayed pretty much even, trading basket for basket until the Vikings went on a 9-0 run with three consecutive three-pointers to give themselves a 34-25 lead with 5:08 left in the first half.

With time running out before halftime, CSU’s Gordon hit another three-pointer at the buzzer to give her team a 41-31 edge heading into the locker rooms.

The Rockets would fight back, cutting the lead to seven points with just under five minutes left in the game thanks to a couple slip screen layups by Reecher.

But the Vikings kept connecting from behind the arch, hitting back-to-back treys to put the game away late.

CSU keyed on UT senior forward Inma Zanoguera, holding her to just four points in Friday’s contest. Zanoguera was able to dish out a team-high seven assist for her teammates, also cleaning up the glass with five defensive rebounds.

Things won’t get easier for Toledo, as they head back to Savage for a home-opener against defending Atlantic 10 champions St. Bonaventure on Thursday at 7 p.m.

“They are very good,” Cullop said of her team’s next opponent. “They are very well coached, they have a lot of experience and they shoot it really well. It presents some problems when you have a team able to shoot it so well.”

Admission to the game is free for all UT students with the showing of your Rocket ID card.