Stayin' alive
BG moves to second round, first time since '89
By: Colin Wilson
Issue date: 3/19/07 Section: Campus
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Assistant Sports Editor
EAST LANSING, Mich. - A 70-66, comeback victory over Oklahoma State made sure BG's talented senior class could play another day. No one was happier than their coach, Curt Miller.
"The good thing is that I get to practice with them again," Miller said. "I can't imagine not walking into the gym and seeing those five seniors on the practice floor and seeing Julie Gompers right next to me."
A great finish to the first half, a solid second half and great leadership helped BG come back from an early 26-12 deficit. Even though they struggled early, BG never let up.
"There was never a doubt in my mind at any point in this game that we couldn't make a comeback," said senior forward Ali Mann. "This team is just competitors and we hate to lose."
After giving up a big lead early, BG went on a 16-6 run to end the first half. The run was keyed by Amber Flynn's presence inside and great defense. The Cowgirls got just one basket in their half court offense. The other four points came on a fast break basket and two foul shots.
Flynn ended up with 10 points and four boards. She continues to prove why she was named the Mid-American Conference Sixth Man of the Year.
"When we're in a predicament like we were, kind of timid and on our heels, I just wanted to be that spark and I think it worked," Flynn said.
The comeback was a good sign that BG's senior class was not ready to finish their careers and a testament to how hard they work.
"I have never seen anyone with the passion and the fire in their eyes that we do as far as playing well and wanting to win," Flynn said. "I think that has a lot to do with where we are."
After struggling in the first half and shooting 0-of-4, Liz Honegger came out of the locker room with a mission. She hit 3-of-5 3-pointers in the second half and finished the game with 15 points and 3 blocks. Her performance was also indicative of a senior that wanted to play another game.
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