Indiana University
Northwestern
Valentin Sets New Division I Consecutive Free Throws Made Record, IU Topples Northwestern 69-56
1/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 12, 2006
Box Score
EVANSTON, Ill. - The Indiana women's basketball team defeated Northwestern 69-56 in Evanston, Ill., at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Jan. 12. The Hoosiers toppled the Wildcats for the third straight time in as many tries, while senior guard Cyndi Valentin took the spotlight, setting an NCAA Division I record for the most consecutive free throws made in a season with 61. Indiana improves to 9-7 overall and 3-2 in Big Ten contests, while Northwestern falls to 4-11 and 0-5 in Big Ten action.
Despite the commanding 13-point victory, the night belonged to Valentin who topped the previous record of 60 set by Ginny Doyle of Richmond during the 1992 season. Valentin also tied the single-season NCAA record for all divisions at 61 first set by Valerie Kepner of Baldwin-Wallace from 1998-89. On the night, Valentin went 2-of-4 from the charity stripe and ended her streak at 61.
"I was very pleased with our team tonight," head coach Sharon Versyp said. "This was a great game where a lot of people got a number of minutes and quality experience. I am just really pleased with the effort that our players gave tonight against a good basketball team."
Valentin led a balanced Indiana attack with 19 points, while IU had four players overall reach the double-figure mark. The achievement marks the fourth time this season Indiana has had four players in double figures and moves IU to 3-1 on the season when accomplishing the feat.
Valentin finished the game with five steals, seven rebounds and three assists, while senior guard DeMuth netted 13 points, six steals, seven rebounds and two assists. Senior forward Angela Hawkins carded a season-high 14 points and six rebounds followed by freshman Whitney Thomas with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists who rounded out the Hoosiers in double-figures.
The Hoosiers started strong with a quick jumper by DeMuth, who then followed with a steal and a successive basket to lead the Wildcats early, 4-0. Indiana held Northwestern without a field goal for the first three-and-a-half minutes of action before the Wildcats tied the game at four apiece.
With a handful of top first-half performers, the Hoosiers kept a strong hold on the game after taking the lead at 15-13, and never looked back. Coupled with DeMuth's sharp shooting and nine points from the perimeter, Thomas posed the inside threat, notching a pair of put backs and tough points-in-the-paint to tally eight points. Hawkins and Valentin capped off the Hoosiers impressive first-half performance with eight points apiece.
The Hoosiers took the lead at the 11:32 mark and used early defensive stops to extend their cushion and take a commanding 37-21 advantage into the break.
Indiana then opened the second half with a 6-0 run and doubled the Wildcats score at 46-23. The Wildcats responded with runs of five and seven points, but were unable to cut the Hoosier lead to single digits.
Northwestern never came closer than 13 points in the second half despite 14 points from its leading scorer guard Sara Stutz.
Indiana continues its conference schedule on the road against No.8 Ohio State on Jan. 19 in Columbus, Ohio.
