XU women's basketball continues in its struggles

The Xavier women's basketball team's December struggles continued this past week as they dropped two more games. The women fell 60-54 to Eastern Illinois University on Jan. 4 and then lost to the University of Charlotte 58-54 on Saturday. The losses drop the Musketeers' record to 3-11 on the season and 0-1 in Atlantic 10 conference play. Xavier has now lost seven games in a row, dating back to Dec. 9. The Musketeers played the previous two games without sophomore guard Lynette Holmes, who was suspended indefinitely from the team for "not fulfilling the responsibilities of a Xavier basketball player." There is no timetable for Holmes' return to the team according to head coach Amy Waugh.

The Musketeers struggled out of the gate during their game against Eastern Illinois, falling behind 28-9 early in the first half. Xavier overcame this 19 point deficit in the second half when they took a 45-44 lead with nine minutes remaining. Despite the comeback, the Musketeer lead was short-lived.

Xavier was perfect from the free throw line (8-8) but was done in by the 19 turnovers for the game.

Freshman Lakeisha Crouch, starting her first career game, pulled down seven rebounds in addition to her seven points. Junior center Jessica Pachko added nine rebounds to go along with seven points.

The women opened up A-10 conference play with a home game against the Charlotte 49ers. The Musketeers received a setback in their quest for their fourth straight Atlantic 10 regular season title.

The Musketeers grabbed a four-point lead midway through the second half but were unable to hold onto that margin.

The 49ers were able to ice the game at the free throw line, knocking down six free throws in the final minute to seal the four-point victory.

The Musketeer defense was stout, allowing a season-low 58 points and forcing 15 turnovers. Senior guard Tyeasha Moss chipped in 15 points, five assists and eight rebounds. Pachko had another impressive outing, notching a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds.

"We need to continue to put forth a level of effort and intensity on every play and build on the little things to become more consistent," Waugh said.

She did note that the team has improved in the past few weeks, though it doesn't show in the win-loss column.

The Musketeers look to break this seven-game skid tonight as they travel to Pittsburgh to face the Duquesne Dukes.

"Duquesne is a fundamental basketball team and very well coached," Waugh said. "We need to bring our best effort and continue to build on what we've done the past few games for longer stretches."

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.