The Cincinnati Enquirer

The University of Cincinnati women's basketball team scored 27 of the first 37 points of the second half in an 81-55 exhibition win over Northwest Sports Saturday.

Sophomore Debbie Merrill led UC with a game-high 20 points to go with five rebounds. Carolyn Alexander, among those fighting for the last starting spot, hit six of 12 shots for 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Northwest Sports Stars, made up of former college players from the northwest United States, were held to 8-of-34 shooting in the second half. But in the first half, they hit 52 percent of their shots, including four of eight 3-pointers.

"What we learned in the second half is that getting defensive stops leads to scoring opportunities," UC coach Laurie Pirtle said.

NORTHWEST - Campbell 5-13 0-2 12, Napier 3-11 0-0 8, Perno 5-7 0-1 10, Sutter 0-2 0-0 0, Ruff-Adams 1-4 0-0 2, Sitterud 6-10 0-0 13, Kolb 0-4 0-0 0, Jasperson 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 23-63 4-8 55.

CINCINNATI - Alexander 6-12 2-3 14, Young 3-5 0-0 7, Merrill 9-17 2-2 20, Harvey 4-9 0-0 9, Sharp 2-5 0-0 5, Knoch 1-6 0-0 3, Piepho 0-0 0-0 0, Hillman 5-9 1-2, 12, Stevenson 1-2 0-1 2, Stephens 4-5 1-2 9. Totals: 35-70 6-10 81.

Halftime: UC 42, Northwest 36. 3-pointers: NW Campbell 2-2, Napier 2-2, Sutter 0-1, Ruff-Adams 0-1, Sitturud 1-2, Kolb 0-3. UC Alexander 0-2, Young 1-3, Harvey 1-4, Sharp 1-3, Knoch 1-4, Hillman 1-4. Assists: NW 7 (Ruff-Adams 3), UC 25 (Sharp 8). Rebounds: NW 32 (Campell 8), UC 47 (Alexander 10). A-246.