DETROIT (12/31/23) – The Detroit Mercy women's basketball team resumes #HLWBB play and rings in 2024 with a New Year's Day Party game against Northern Kentucky on Monday, Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. The game will be broadcast live from Dick Vitale Court at Calihan Hall on ESPN+ with Denny Kapp (play-by-play) and Tara Fricke (analyst) on the call.
 
Notes:
A Look at the Norse:
Northern Kentucky is 2-9 on the season and 0-2 in conference play after a setback at Oakland on Friday night. The Norse are led by junior guard Khamari Mitchell-Steen in scoring (14.1 ppg) and assists per game (2.9) while freshman center Carter McCary leads the team in rebounds per game (9.3).
 
All-Time Series:
Northern Kentucky leads the all-time series 14-3 winning the last 13 consecutive games against the Titans.
 
A win would…
Snap a 13-game skid against NKU and give the Titans their first win over the Norse since a 78-67 decision on Jan. 4, 2018. Additionally, the Titans would move to 10-4 on the season for the first time since the 1999-2000 season.
 
Last Time Out: Titans Place Four In Double-Figures in Hard-Fought Battle Over Florida A&M
Game 13: Detroit Mercy 72 vs Florida A&M 66 (12/21/23)
For the second straight game, sophomore Myonna Hooper led Detroit Mercy in scoring with a team-high 17 points on 5-for-8 shooting, 6-for-7 from the free throw line, and 1-for-1 from 3-point range as the Titans had four players in double figures in a hard-fought 72-66 win over Florida A&M on Thursday afternoon at Calihan Hall. With the win, UDM moves to 9-4 on the season for the first time in two decades since the 1999-00 season. The Titans also finished the non-conference season at 7-4.
 
Junior Emma Trawally Porta scored 16 points shooting 6-of-11 from the field and 4-for-6 from the charity stripe while senior Irene Murua added 15 points going 5-for-7 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free throw line with eight rebounds. Sophomore Amaya Burch was the final Titan in double figures with 10 points and six rebounds. Senior Jada Moorehead was solid off the bench chipping in with eight points while going 2-for-2 for the free throw line with six boards. As a team, UDM went 22-for-29 (75.9%) from the charity stripe.
 
It's Been a While:
• Detroit Mercy is 9-4 to start the season for the first time in over two decades since the 1999-00 season.
• The Titans finished non-conference play with a 7-4 record for the first time since the 1991-92 season.
• UDM's win at Western Michigan marked the first time the Titans won three consecutive games since the 2016-17 season and moved the Titans to 7-3 for the first time since the 1999-00 season.
• The win snapped a seven-game skid against the Broncos
• The victory over Oakland snapped a 12-game skid against the Golden Grizzlies and was the Titans' first #MetroSeries win since 2017.
• It also marked the first time UDM has opened the season with two consecutive #HLWBB wins since the 2016-17 season.
• UDM's win at YSU snapped a 10-game skid against the Penguins
• It also marked the first time the Titans won a #HLWBB opener since the 2016-17 season when they defected Valparaiso 85-60 on Dec. 29, 2016.
• The win moved the Titans to 5-3 matching their win total from the 2022-23 season on the last day of November.
• The win over USC Upstate was the first time since the 2001-02 season UDM started with a 4-2 record and marked the first time the Titans won two consecutive games since the 2016-17 season.
• UDM's win at Dayton moved marked the first time since the 2010-11 season the Titans started with a 3-2 record.
• Detroit's Mercy's win over Chicago State moved the Titans to 2-0 to start the season for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
• The Titans won both games by a 30-point and 35-point margin. The last time the UDM posted back-to-back 30-point wins was during the 2012-13 season when they defeated Lourdes, IPFW and Madonna.
• UDM's win over EMU snapped a four-game skid against the Eagles.
• The win also marked the Titans' first season-opening win since the 2018-19 season.
• Additionally, it was UDM's first season-opening road win since the 2016-17 season.
• It also was the Titans' first win over a Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent since the Titans defeated the Eagles, 77-64, on Dec. 6, 2016.
 
Crash the Boards:
• As a team, Detroit Mercy leads the Horizon League in rebounds per game (39.6), total rebounds (515), defensive rebounds per game (28.0), total defensive rebounds (364), and rebounding margin (6.8).
• UDM also ranks third in offensive rebounds per game (11.8) and total offensive rebounds (151).
• The Titans grabbed 54 rebounds with 23 against Chicago State (11/10).
• UDM grabbed 51 total rebounds with 17 offensive boards that led to 13 second-chance points at EMU (11/6).
 
Fill it Up:
• Detroit Mercy ranks fifth in the HL in field goal percentage (42.7)
• The Titans shot a season-best 55.1% (27-for-49) from the field and a season-best 94.1% (16-for-17) from the free throw line in their win at Dayton (11/18).
 
Suffocating Defense:
• Detroit Mercy ranks fourth in the Horizon League in opponent field goal percentage (38.3).
• The Titans' lock-down defense held Chicago State to 17-for-60 (28.3%) from the field.
• They also held the EMU to only seven points in the first quarter and nine points in the fourth and 14-for-56 (25.0%) shooting overall.
 
Guard the Arc:
• Detroit Mercy ranks sixth in the Horizon League in opponent 3-point field goal percentage (30.9).
• The Titans held the Chicago State to just 1-for-14 from 3-point range and EMU to just 2-of-15 (13.3%) from behind the arc.
• Over the first two games of the season, both teams shot a combined 3-for-29 (10.3%) from beyond the arc against the Titans' perimeter defense.
 
High Five:
• Detroit Mercy had five players score in double figures with Corcoran (13 pts.), Murua (12 pts.), Trawally Porta (11 pts.), Burch (11 pts.) and McNeal (10 pts.), in the Titans' first #MetroSeries win over Oakland since 2017.
 
Marvelous Murua:
• Senior Irene Murua leads the team in scoring (12.9 ppg – 11th HL) and rebounds per game (8.2 – 2nd HL).
• Also leads the team in defensive rebounds per game (5.6 – 1st HL) and offensive rebounds per game (2.5 – 2nd HL).
• Scored in double figures seven times
• Added 15 points going 5-for-7 from the field and 5-for-6 from the free throw line with eight rebounds vs Florida A&M (12/21).
• Went 6-for-10 to post a game-high 17 points with eight rebounds in win at WMU (12/6).
• Averaged a double-double with 13.0 ppg and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 10-for-18 from the field (55.6%) with three blocks, four steals and three assists to lead Detroit Mercy to a 2-0 season-opening #HLWBB record with wins at YSU and vs Oakland for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
• Posted a game-high 21 points (just missing her career-high of 23 by two points) going 8-for-13 from the field and perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line while just missing a double-double grabbing nine rebounds to lead the Titans over Dayton for their second road win of the season.
 
Double-Double Delivery:
• Murua posted her second consecutive double-double and third of the season with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds and matching a career-high two blocks to lead the Titans to their first #MetroSeries win over Oakland since 2017 which snapped a 12-game skid against the Golden Grizzlies.
• Junior Emma Trawally Porta posted her second double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 boards in UDM's first #MetroSeries win over Oakland since 2017.
• Murua Recorded her second double-double of the season with 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting and 6-for-10 from the free throw line while grabbing 10 rebounds with two assists helping UDM to a #HLWBB road win at YSU which snapped a 10-game skid against the Penguins (11/30).
• Murua scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 10 boards at EMU for her first double-double of the season.
• Trawally Porta scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 11 rebounds and three blocks at EMU for her first double-double of the season.
 
She's a Hooper:
• Sophomore Myonna Hooper leads the team in assists (39) and assists per game (3.0 – 9th HL).
• For the second straight game, scored a team-high 17 points on 5-for-8 shooting, 6-for-7 from the free throw line, and 1-for-1 from 3-point range vs Florida A&M (12/21).
• Posted a career-high 19 points missing only one shot going 7-for-8 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from behind the arc while grabbing a career-best eight rebounds with four assists and matching her career-best of three steals at Bellarmine (12/18).
• Poured in 16 points on a blistering 7-for-10 from the field with four rebounds and three assists in win at Youngstown State (11/30).
• In her first start of the season, she added 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the win vs USC Upstate (11/24)
• Scored 12 points going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line, 2-for-3 from long range while dishing out a career-best six assists in the win over Dayton (11/18).
• Posted 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting and 3-for-5 from 3-point range with three assists coming off the bench vs Chicago State (11/10).
 
Hot from the Field:
• Murua also leads the team in field goal percentage shooting a blistering 60.0% (2nd HL) from the floor.
• Murua has shot over 60% from the field in five games, over 70% twice at Butler (71.4%) and vs Florida A&M (71.4%) with a season-high 87.5% (7-for-8) at Georgia Southern.
• Trawally Porta ranks second in FG% (51.3%) and hit a season-high 8-for-16 for 16 points at NIU (12/10).
• Hooper ranks second on the team shooting 48.4% from the field.
 
Corcoran's Come Back Keeps Coming Up Clutch:
• Senior Annika Corcoran caught fire scoring 11 consecutive fourth-quarter points off a jumper followed by three straight 3-pointers to match a career-best 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting while tying her career-mark of 4-for-7 from long range leading UDM to a win at Bellarmine (12/18).
• Corcoran made her first game back in a Titan uniform a memorable one as she was one of five players to score in double figures with 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting, 3-for-7 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free throw line to lead Detroit Mercy to their first #MetroSeries win over Oakland since 2017.
• She followed that performance by coming up clutch again in just her second game back sinking 5-of-6 free throws within the final 11 seconds to finish with eight points to lift the Titans to a win at WMU snapping a seven-game skid against the Broncos.
 
Get that Outta Here:
• Emma Trawally Porta is picking up where she left off last season leading the team in total blocks (17 – 3rd HL) and blocks per game (1.3 – 4th HL) and being a defensive force in the paint.
• She posted a season-high three blocks at EMU and Dayton.
• Last season, she led the HL and ranked 18th in the nation in blocks per game (2.2) and total blocks (62) which ranked 26th Nationally.
• She also posted four or more blocks in nine games with a career-high six blocks at WSU (2/25) and five vs MKE (2/5).
 
All-Around Emma:
• Trawally Porta also ranks second on the team in rebounds per game (7.5 – 3rd HL).
• Scored in double figures five times
• Posted season-high 16 points at NIU (12/10) and vs Florida A&M (12/21).
• Just missed a double-double with 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting and 1-for-1 from long range with nine rebounds and three blocks in the win at Dayton.
• Over the first three games of the season, Trawally Porta averaged 8.3 ppg, 11.0 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, 1.0 steals per game with six total blocks (2.0 per game) to lead Detroit Mercy to a 2-1 opening week record.
• Posted first double-double of the season with 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting with 11 rebounds, three blocks and two assists in season-opening win at EMU (11/6) which marked the Titans' first season-opening win since the 2018-19 season and first season-opening road win since the 2016-17 season. It also was the Titans' first win over a Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent since the Titans defeated the Eagles, 77-64, on Dec. 6, 2016.
• Grabbed a game-high 14 boards just missing a career-high of 15 while scoring five points with two blocks and matching a career-high three steals defensively in the home opening win vs Chicago State (11/10) that moved the Titans to 2-0 to start the season for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
• Scored 10 points hitting a career-best 3-for-3 from 3-point range while grabbing eight rebounds with two assists and a block in 7-point setback at Butler.
 
Fabulous Freshman:
• Freshman Paris Gilmore was named Armour® #HLWBB Freshman of the Week (11/13).
• Averaged 10.0 ppg, 1.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals per game to lead Detroit Mercy to a 2-1 opening week record.
• Had quite the collegiate debut scoring a team-best 13 points on 3-of-7 from 3-point range with two boards, a steal, and an assist in the season-opening win at EMU (11/6) which marked the Titans' first season-opening win since the 2018-19 season and first season-opening road win since the 2016-17 season. It also was the Titans' first win over a Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponent since the Titans defeated the Eagles, 77-64, on Dec. 6, 2016.
• Added eight points with two steals and an assist in home opening win vs Chicago State (11/10) that moved the Titans to 2-0 to start the season for the first time since the 2010-11 season.
• Chipped in with nine points going 3-for-4 from the charity stripe with two assists at Butler (11/12).
 
Jackson Solid Off the Bench:
• Freshman Makayla Jackson is making an impact coming off the bench.
• Averaged 9.0 ppg., 2.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 8-for-16 (50.0%) from the field with two blocks to lead Detroit Mercy to a 1-1 record at MSU and Dayton.
• Scored six points with two assists, two rebounds, and a career-best two blocks coming off the bench at Michigan State.
• Had a break-out game scoring in double figures for the first time with a career-best 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting with a 3-pointer, two assists, and two boards helping the Titans over Dayton for their second road win of the season.
 
Buckets for Burch:
• Sophomore Amaya Burch has reached double figures four times scoring 11 points three times
• She is tied for second on the team in 3-point baskets (12).
 
Real Deal McNeal:
• Graduate student Imani McNeal rounded out the five in double-figures with 10 points and four rebounds in UDM's first #MetroSeries win over Oakland since 2017.
• Had a solid all-around game scoring nine points and grabbing four rebounds while dishing out four assists and matching a career-high with four steals defensively at Butler (11/12).
• Leads the team in steals (10) and steals per game (1.1).
• Reached double figures at EMU (10 pts) and vs Chicago State (11 pts.)
 
Amzil with the Ammo:
• Junior Latifa Amzil provided a spark off the bench play scoring a career-best 16 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field, 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and 1-for-1 from the free throw line in the first half to lead Detroit Mercy to a win over South Carolina Update.
• She added two points with a career-best seven rebounds in the setback at Georgia Southern.
 
Time for some MACTION: This season, Detroit Mercy played three road games at Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponents in which the Titans finished 2-1. UDM opened the season with a 68-38 win at Eastern Michigan (11/6) followed by a 62-59 decision at Western Michigan (12/6) and a 75-66 setback at Northern Illinois.
 
Six-Game Road Swing Complete:
Detroit Mercy's win at YSU concluded a six-game road swing that started at Butler followed by Michigan State, Dayton, South Carolina Upstate and Georgia Southern where the Titans finished 3-3.
 
All-Around Offense:
• Detroit Mercy's offensive efficiency from all three phases proved to be the difference in the win at Dayton
• The Titans shot season-highs in field goal percentage with a blistering 27-for-59 (55.1%), 6-for-12 (50.0%) from 3-point range, and 16-of-17 (94.1%) from the free throw line just missing the school record of 95.6% set in 1991.
 
Down Low Dominance:
• UDM scored 50 of its 83 points in the paint against Chicago State while posting 34 of 68 points in the paint at EMU.
 
Give Me That:
• The Titans grabbed a season-high 14 steals against CSU and eight at EMU.
 
Zone Busters:
• Detroit Mercy took advantage of EMU's zone by shooting a blistering 9-for-20 (45.0%) from 3-point range and 28-for-60 (46.7%) from the field.
 
Squad Breakdown: The Titans will take the floor this season with seven returners and eight newcomers for a total of 15 student-athletes.
 
Murua Name to 2023-24 #HLWBB Preseason All-League Second Team:
Senior forward Irene Murua was named to the 2023-24 #HLWBB Preseason All-League Second Team.

Season Rewind:
Game 12: Detroit Mercy 59 at Bellarmine 49 (12/18/23)
Trailing 43-39 with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter, senior Annika Corcoran caught fire scoring 11 consecutive points off a jumper followed by three straight 3-pointers giving Detroit Mercy the lead for good as the Titans outscored Bellarmine 27-11 in the frame to earn a hard-fought 59-49 win on Monday night at Freedom Hall for their sixth road victory of the season. Corcoran matched a career-high 16 points on 6-of-11 shooting and 4-for-7 from long range while sophomore Myonna Hooper posted a career-high 19 points missing only one shot going 7-for-8 from the field and a perfect 2-for-2 from behind the arc while grabbing eight rebounds with four assists and three steals.
 
Game 11: Detroit Mercy 66 at Northern Illinois 75 (12/10/23)
Junior Emma Trawally Porta scored a team-high 16 points shooting a blistering 8-for-16 from the field with four rebounds and two assists as Detroit Mercy saw its three-game win streak come to an end with a hard-fought 75-66 setback at Northern Illinois on Sunday after at the Convocation Center. Senior Irene Murua also shot 50% from the field going 5-for-10 to add 15 points going a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line while grabbing six rebounds with four assists. Freshman Paris Gilmore added eight points while Sophomore Myonna Hooper chipped with six points followed by six from senior Jada Moorehead.
 
Titans Hold Off Broncos' Late Rally to Win Third Straight for the First Time Since the 2016-17 Season
Game 10: Detroit Mercy 62 at Western Michigan 59 (12/6/23)
After Western Michigan battled all the back from an 18-point deficit and the Detroit Mercy clinging to a one-point lead, 57-56, with 11 seconds to go, senior Annika Corcoran came up clutch in just her second game back sinking 5-of-6 free throws within the final 11 seconds lifting the Titans to a 62-59 win at WMU on Wednesday night at University Arena. The win snapped a seven-game skid against the Broncos and marked the first time UDM (7-3) has won three consecutive games since the 2016-17 season.
With 11 ticks on the clock, Corcoran hit her first free throw and then missed the second, however, she was able to move inside the paint to grab her own rebound off the back of a WMU (4-4) player forcing the Broncos to foul her again. This time, she calmly stepped up and sank both attempts, moving the Titans ahead 60-56.
 
After a timeout to advance the ball to half-court, Western's Alli Carson drove to the hoop and was fouled in the process. She hit the ensuing free throw to pull WMU within a point, 60-59 with four ticks left. Once again with ice water in her veins, Corcoran stepped up and drained both free throws to seal the Titans' second road win of the season over a Mid-American Conference Team.
 
Titans Tame Golden Grizzlies to Claim First #MetroSeries Win since 2017
Game 9: Detroit Mercy 66 vs Oakland 55 (12/3/23)
Senior Annika Corcoran made her first game back in a Titan uniform a memorable one as she was one of five players to score in double figures with 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting, 3-for-7 from 3-point range, and 2-for-2 from the free throw line to lead Detroit Mercy to a 66-55 win over arch-rival Oakland on Sunday afternoon at Calihan Hall.
 
Game 8: Detroit Mercy 59 at Youngstown State 66 (11/30/23)
Behind hot shooting from sophomore Myonna Hooper who poured in a career-high 16 points on a blistering 7-for-10 from the field with four rebounds and three assists, Detroit Mercy posted a 59-50 win at Youngstown State on Thursday night at the Beeghly Center. Senior Irene Murua posted her second double-double of the season with 14 points on 4-for-9 shooting with 10 rebounds and 6-for-10 from the free throw line. Senior Jada Moorehead added eight points on shooting a perfect 4-for-4 from the field while junior Emma Trawally Porta also had eight points going 4-for-5 from the charity stripe.
 
GATA Turkey Throwdown Recap:
Game 7: Detroit Mercy 59 at Georgia Southern 81 (11/25/23)
Senior Irene Murua posted a team-high 17 points on 7-of-8 shooing and 3-for-3 from the free throw line as Detroit Mercy concluded GATA Turkey Throwdown play with an 81-59 setback to host Georgia Southern on Saturday afternoon at Hanner Fieldhouse. Graduate student Imani McNeal was the only other Titan to reach double figures with 10 points going 2-for-4 from 3-point range. Sophomore Amaya Burch added eight points with junior Emma Trawally Porta grabbing a team-best eight rebounds along with six points.
 
Game 6: Detroit Mercy 71 vs USC Upstate 64 (11/24/23)
First time since the 2001-02 season Detroit Mercy has started 4-2 as the Titans held off South Carolina Update, 71-64, to kick off play at the GATA Turkey Throwdown on Friday afternoon at Hanner Fieldhouse. Junior Latifa Amzil's play in the first half provided the second quarter spark the Titans needed as she was perfect scoring 16 points on 6-for-6 shooting from the field, 3-for-3 from 3-point range, and 1-for-1 from the free throw line. In her first start of the season, sophomore Myonna Hooper added 13 points on 5-of-10 shooting while senior Irene Murua added eight points going 4-of-9 from the field with a team-high 10 rebounds.
 
Game 5: Detroit Mercy 76 at Dayton 60 (11/18/23)
For the second time this season, Detroit Mercy placed four players in double figures led by senior Irene Murua who posted a game-high 21 points (just missing her career-high of 23 by two points) going 8-for-13 from the field and perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line while just missing a double-double grabbing nine rebounds. Junior Emma Trawally Porta also missed a double-double with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 2-for-2 from long range with nine rebounds and three blocks as the Titans used impressive shooting from the field, 3-point range, and the free throw line to roll past Dayton, 76-60, to claim their second road win of the season on Saturday afternoon at the UD Arena.
 
Game 4: Detroit Mercy 44 at Michigan State 105 (11/16/23)
Sophomore Myonna Hooper also added nine points on 4-for-6 shooting with two assists and five rebounds while senior Jada Moorehead scored nine points on 4-for-5 shooting as Detroit Mercy fell 105-44 at Michigan State on Thursday night at the Breslin Center. Makayla Jackson chipped in with six points, two assists and two blocks for the second consecutive game while senior Lucia Fleta Robles added five points. Junior Latifa Amzil connected on her first 3-point bucket of the season. Freshman Kamari Forrest scored two points with a steal and a rebound in her Titan debut.
 
Game 3: Detroit Mercy 61 at Butler 68 (11/12/23)
Graduate student Imani McNeal had a solid all-around game scoring nine points and grabbing four rebounds while dishing out four assists and matching a career-high with four steals defensively as Detroit Mercy battled but came up short, 68-61, in their first loss of the season at Butler on Sunday night. The Titans had two players in double-figures led by junior Emma Trawally Porta who had 10 points hitting a career-best 3-for-3 from the 3-point line while grabbing eight rebounds with a block. Senior Irene Murua also added 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting with nine boards.
 
Game 2: Detroit Mercy 83 vs Chicago State 48 (11/10/23)
For the second consecutive game, Detroit Mercy delivered a dominating offensive and defensive performance to roll past Chicago State, 83-48, in home-opening action on Friday night at Calihan Hall. Sophomore Myonna Hooper matched a career-high with 15 points on 5-of-11 shooting and 3-for-5 from 3-point range with three assists. Graduate student Imani McNeal added 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting with three steals while sophomore Amaya Burch also had 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting with three helpers to round out the three players in double figures.
 
Detroit Mercy moved to 2-0 to start the season for the first time since the 2010-11 season and has won both games by a 30-point and 35-point margin. The last time the Titans posted back-to-back 30-point wins was in 2012 with the last back-to-back 20-points wins happening during the 2017 season.
 
Game 1: Detroit Mercy 68 at Eastern Michigan 38 (11/6/23)
Detroit Mercy delivered a dominating performance on both sides of the ball with efficient offense and suffocating defense en route to a 68-38 thumping over in-state rival Eastern Michigan to tip off the 2023-24 season on Monday night at the George Gervin GameAbove Center. The Titans had four players in double figures
 
Field Trip Day!!
Exhibition: Detroit Mercy 82 vs Lake Erie 32 (11/1/23)
In perpetration for the season, Detroit Mercy hosted Lake Erie College in an exhibition game that was part of Field Trip Day where the Titans welcomed students from multiple grade schools from the Metro Detroit area. UDM had four players in double figures in Amaya Burch (16 pts.), Emma Trawally Porta (11 pts.), Paris Gilmore (11 pts.) and Makayla Jackson (10 pts.).