Oregon Routs Western Oregon in Exhibition Game

Leada Berkey, a honorable mention all-American last year for the Wolves, led WOU with 13 points.

Sophomore Micaela Cocks knocked down four three-pointers in Oregon's victory. Photo courtesy: goducks.com

EUGENE, Ore. - The Oregon women’s basketball team made its 2007-08 debut on Thursday night at Mac Court, defeating Western Oregon 92-45 in the first of two exhibition games for the Ducks.

Oregon’s heralded freshman class made its first appearance with the frontcourt pair of Ellie Manou and Ellyce Ironmonger leading the way.

Manou brought down a game-high 15 rebounds (seven offensive), while scoring 10 points for the only double-double in the game. Also new to the frontcourt, Ironmonger led all scorers with 21 points on a 9-of-11 shooting night.

"I definitely had first-game nerves,” Manou said. “Last time I played at McArthur Court I was on the opposition, and it feels good to have an Oregon jersey on, and to get the win."

After spending her summer playing with New Zealand women’s national team, sophomore Micaela Cocks came off the bench and knocked down four three-pointers, including three in the first half, finishing with 14 points.

"We've got a long way to go,” head coach Bev Smith said after the game. “Generally, my impression was that we have an understanding of how we want to play offensively and defensively."

Junior guard Tamika Nurse, who started in the backcourt with senior Kaela Chapdelaine and sophomore Taylor Lilley, scored 12 points and added five assists.

"Offensively we were sharp with the ball, with 22 assists,” Chapdelaine said. “We want to improve on our turnovers and blockouts. Overall, our performance wasn't too bad for our first game, but we want to build from here.”

On 37 baskets made, Oregon dished out 22 assists, led by Lilley’s six.

Oregon shot 52.1 percent (37-of-71) from the floor, and 39.1 percent (9-of-23) from the outside.

Western Oregon, a Division II program from Monmouth, Ore., shot just 22.0 percent from the floor, but did make a game-high 24 trips to the free-throw line, converting 17 of those chances.

Leada Berkey, a honorable mention all-American last year for the Wolves, led WOU with 13 points.

The Ducks were also dominant under the basket, outrebounding the Wolves 52-29 .

"Offensively, I liked how we went to the boards. Our rebounding has to come together on the defensive end," Smith said as Oregon gave up 14 offensive boards.

Freshman Nicole Canepa made her first start in the post, totaling nine points and nine rebounds.

Point guard Nia Jackson came off the bench to score seven points. The freshman from Seattle showed off her quickness adding six steals and four assists in 19 minutes.

In the fist half, Western Oregon did not score its first field goal until 11:10 had gone by.

The Ducks shot 50.0 percent (17-of-34) in the first 20 minutes, as Nurse, Cocks and Ironmonger led the way with nine points apiece. Oregon also knocked down five three-pointers in the first half, led by three from Cocks.

Oregon next plays Love & Basketball at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Mac Court in the team’s final action before the season officially begins.

Fans who attend Saturday’s football game can exchange their football ticket stubs at the Mac Court ticket booth for free general admission seats to Sunday’s exhibition game.

San Jose State will be at Mac Court for the season opener on Saturday, Nov. 10. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. and will also be broadcast by OSN on Comcast.

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