Box Score ROCK HILL, S.C. – It was a special
reunion for the Gallaudet University women's basketball team and
former head coach Kevin Cook on Saturday as the
Bison paid a visit to Winthrop University to face Coach Cook and
his Eagles in the season opener for both teams. The result wasn't
in doubt as the Division I school overpowered Gallaudet, 117-43,
before 1,276 but the experience was well worth the trip for the
buff and blue.
Junior guard Zamica Gage
(Washington, D.C.), who was recruited by Cook to Gallaudet, led the
Bison (0-1) with 21 points as she made 7 of 22 shots from the field
and grabbed seven rebounds, three assists and one steal.
"It was a privilege to play against Winthrop," said Gage. "My
favorite part was when one of our girls would fall after a foul and
the Winthrop players would help us up. It felt like we really
earned their respect on the court and they showed great
sportsmanship."
Cook spent four years at Gallaudet (2007-11) where he compiled a
47-56 (.456) record and was highlighted by the 2010-11 season when
the Bison started the season 20-0, upset a nationally ranked team
and in turn became ranked for the first time in a decade. GU earned
an at-large bid into the NCAA tournament as the Bison garnered
national media attention in the process. Cook earned Women's
Basketball Coaches Association Region 3 Coach of the Year. Cook's
graduate assistant during that season was Stephanie
Stevens, now in her third season as Gallaudet's head
coach.
"I love Zamica Gage. I recruited her and she can play at any
level. Trust me on that one," said Cook, now in his third season as
Winthrop's head coach. "Gallaudet is going to do a good job in
their conference and I look for them to have a good year."
Winthrop's Schaguilla Nunn was a force to be reckon with as she
scored a school-record 39 points (18 of 24), grabbed 16 rebounds,
blocked nine shots and made five steals in 27 minutes of work.
Ezinne Mbamalu came off the bench and scored 20 points while Samiya
Wright (11 rebounds) and Erica Williams chipped in 17 points each.
The Eagles (1-0) led 64-19 at halftime and outscored Gallaudet
53-24 in the second half. Winthrop won the Big South championship
last year and made a NCAA tournament appearance.
"We played at a level today that will continue to motivate us
throughout our season," said Stevens. "We were pleased to see the
tremendous growth in our program while battling on the court for
the entire 40 minutes. We are proud of our mighty Bison. This was a
great way to prepare for our home opener and first conference game
of the season this Wednesday."
Gallaudet returns home to host Penn College in a North Eastern
Athletic Conference game at 6 p.m.
Also see:
Gallaudet head coach Stephanie Stevens catches up with former
Bison head coach Kevin Cook prior to the game.
