Princeton University Athletics
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Tigers Fall to Norwegian National Team, 80-73, in First Game in Oslo
August 20, 2005 | Women's Basketball
Aug. 20, 2005
OSLO, Norway - Princeton sophomore Meagan Cowher had a pretty good day in Oslo Friday. First, she and the rest of the Tigers got to the city center just in time to see the Changing of the Guard at Norway's Royal Palace. Then, later at night, Cowher went 14-for-20 from the field, scored 32 points and added eight rebounds for Princeton against the Norwegian national team.
Cowher's big game wasn't quite enough, however, as the Tigers were unable to rally late and ended up on the short end of a 80-73 decision against the Norwegians. Princeton led 38-30 at halftime, but the home country took advantage of Tiger second-half turnovers to establish the lead by the beginning of the fourth quarter.
"We did some things well, but we had over 30 turnovers and that's way too many," said head coach Richard Barron. "We showed in this game that we have an excellent inside presence as well as the ability to shoot the ball from the outside."
Besides Cowher's 32 points, which came off a variety of post moves and drives, Becky Brown had 10 points in the post. The Tigers also made eight three-point shots, including three each from Ali Smith, who had 11 points, and Lillie Romeiser.
After trailing early and falling behind 24-19 at the end of the first quarter, Princeton outscored the Norwegians 19-6 in the second quarter thanks to some stellar defense and their own outside shooting. Norway then made five three-pointers in the third quarter and took a 59-56 lead into the final quarter.
Princeton's games in Scandinavia are being played by FIBA rules, which are somewhat unfamiliar to both the players and the coaches. In addition to four 10-minute quarters instead of two halves, there is an eight-second count in the backcourt. The three-point line is also at the international distance of 20 feet, 6 inches, as opposed to the 19 feet, 9 inches used in NCAA basketball. The Tigers then took a bus tour of the city of Oslo Saturday morning, visiting the beautiful Sculpture Park of the city. The real highlight of the trip came when the team visited Holmenkollen, the most famous ski jump hill the world that also possesses a spectacular view of the city.
Look for more information on that trip, as well as photos and a recap of Princeton's second game against Norway Saturday, later today at GoPrincetonTigers.com