Northwestern University Athletics
Northwestern
Foreign Exhibition
Wildcats Fall to Netherlands in Overtime
11/11/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 11, 2003
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EVANSTON, Ill. - It was a roller coaster game for the Northwestern women's basketball team Tuesday night.
Freshman Alex Mueller sank a 3-point shot with one second remaining in the game to send the Wildcats into overtime, but NU could not maintain the momentum, falling to the National Team of Holland 68-62 in an exhibition game at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
Mueller ended the game with 13 points, which included 3-of-6 shooting from beyond-the-arc. Teammate Samantha McComb led all scorers with 20 points while adding seven rebounds and two assists.
Holland had three players in double-digits, including Marloes Roetgerink and Inge Huitzing, who had 14 apiece.
"We took a lot of positives away from tonight," said head coach June Olkowski. "We feel good about that, but we need to do a better job with other aspects of the game."
In the first half, the Wildcats trailed by as much as eight before putting up nine straight points to take a 23-22 late in the period. Senior Michelle Zylstra ended the half much like she began it, sinking a 3-pointer to give NU a 29-27 advantage. Zylstra finished the game with seven points and two assists.
Holland came out firing in the second half, using a 13-0 run -- including six points by Roetgerink -- to once again take a big lead.
The international team, however, took a turn for the worst as it went scoreless for the next nine-and-a-half minutes. Northwestern was able to claw its way back into the game.
"We didn't play with a sense of urgency," said Olkowski of Holland's run. "But then we played together, held our composure and made our shots. Holding them to one shot was key for us."
With just five seconds left in the game, the 'Cats were able to get the ball to an open Mueller, who sent the game into an extra period.
In overtime, Holland was able to string some points together and go 7-of-10 from the free throw line to win by six.
The Wildcats open their regular season with a home game against Creighton at 5 p.m. Nov. 21 at Welsh-Ryan Arena.
