Dec. 29, 2008

Box Score

CORAL GABLES, FLA. - Alli Smalley scored a game-high 21 points and DeWanna Bonner added a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds as #9 Auburn defeated Duquesne 87-67 in the first game of the University of Miami Holiday Tournament Monday evening.

Four Dukes scored in double-figures led by Rachel Frederick with 12 points. Samantha Pollino, Kristi Little and Alex Gensler all scored 11 points for DU who fell to 9-4 on the season.

The Tigers opened up the game on a 16-2 run just 2:25 in. DU responded with a 16-6 run in the next 5:55 to cut deficit to four points at 22-18.This would be as close as Duquesne would get the rest of the game.

The Dukes would score only one field goal in the final 4:34 of the opening half as AU took a 50-34 lead into halftime.

Auburn's lead would reach 23 points two times, with the later coming with 6:19 remaining in regulation 80-57.

After attempting and making season-bests in foul shots in their last game at IPFW, the Dukes only got to the line a season-low 10 times, converting eight, also a season-low.

The Tigers shot 36-for-66 from the field (.545) and blocked 15 shots led by 6-7 center KeKe Carrier who had five.

"Her size is definitely a factor but beyond that she had really good post moves," said Pollino. "It was definitely hard to play against that."

Duquesne will face Brown in Day 2 of the tournament Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.

GAME NOTES

• This was Gensler's first game back after missing the previous five games with an illness
  
• The Dukes committed a season-low 12 turnovers
  
• The 87 points was the most scored on DU this season
  
• Duquesne falls to 0-2 against Auburn and 2-7 all-time against the SEC