IU loses heartbreaker in Arkansas

The IU women's basketball squad took a two-game winning streak Wednesday night into Arkansas, but fell short of its third straight victory, losing to the Lady Backs 53-50 in a heartbreaking loss. \nWith under five minutes left in the game and the score tied at 45, sophomore Danielle Allen of Arkansas put-in a layup to put the Razorbacks up for the first time since 5 minutes, 36 seconds remaining in the first half. Until the final minute, the Hoosiers trailed until sophomore Leah Enterline drained a basket with 53 seconds left in the contest to knot the score again \nThe following possession would be enough for Arkansas to close out the game as sophomore guard Kristen Peoples nailed a three-pointer with 44 seconds to play to put the Lady Backs up 53-50. \n"I thought we had a good look to tie the game but it got deflected," said IU coach Kathi Bennett. "Arkansas did a good job of defending that three-pointer. I think the game really came down us not grabbing defensive rebounds when we were ahead." \nLeading the Hoosiers was sophomore Cyndi Valentin with 14 points and 5 rebounds in 29 minutes of action. Freshman Nikki Smith scored a career high 9 points and corralled two rebounds and a pair of assists. \nThe Hoosiers were dealt a big blow in the first half when junior forward Angela Hawkins picked up her third foul midway through the half. Hawkins sparked a Hoosier run, scoring three points and grabbing three rebounds, before being taken out because of foul trouble.\nThe Hoosiers led the Arkansas going into the break, 32-27, and came out strong to begin the second half, but the Razorbacks came back, eventually tying the game at the five minute mark.\nIU (2-2) returns to the court Friday against Louisville when they welcome the Cardinals to Assembly Hall.