The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

by: Peg Turrentine, freelance writer for the Houston Stealth
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Houston Stealth Beats Colorado Chill, 71-68

January 29, 2004,
It is always exciting to see the Stealth play, but seeing them battle with the Chill was truly a thrill.

The two teams battled bucket for bucket through the first half. Except for the part about the Chill scoring first, the Stealth led throughout the half but never by more than 5 points. Katie Cronin and Tina Thompson led all scorers with 15 points apiece.

Ruth Riley was no match for Tina Thompson, as the former was held to zero points from the field. This was possibly a grudge match for the Stealth, who was defeated by the Chill in the season opener in Colorado.

Close to the end of the first half Riley managed to send both Tina Thompson and Cynthia Cooper to the floor with a double elbow swing. Stealth coach John Chancellor received a technical foul for protesting the non-calls on Riley in the first half. Riley sank the shot.

The Chill dominated the scoring in the early minutes of the second half, at one point holding an 11 point lead. But the Stealth fought back, tying the score at 60 points apiece, and then taking the lead on a foul shot with 5 minutes left in the game. Riley continued to abuse Tina Thompson, sending her to the court with a blow to the mouth.

It was a nail-biter to the last seconds of the game. Tied with 20 seconds left, Tamicha Jackson controlled the ball, then launched a nuthin’ but net 3-pointer that got the fans on their feet. The Chill was shut out at the other end of the court in the 3 seconds left on the clock. Stealth wins 71 – 68.

Of the 3 Stealth players shooting in double figures, Tina Thompson led all scorers with 26 points in addition to her team high 8 rebounds. Kelley Gibson added 13 points, and Cynthia Cooper had 12. Tamicha Jackson was the biggest thief in the game with 4 steals. Ruth Riley pulled down game high 14 rebounds to go with her 9 points. The Chill out-rebounded the Stealth 42 – 29. Edna Campbell led the Chill in scoring with 22 points, followed closely by Katie Cronin with 17, 15 of which she scored in the first half. They each had 4 assists.

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