DETROIT (12/5/23) – Fresh off going 2-0 in #HLWBB play last week against Youngstown State and arch-rival Oakland, the Detroit Mercy women's basketball team resumes non-conference play at in-state rival Western Michigan. The game will be broadcast live from University Arena on ESPN+ with Evan Stockton and Wayne Hinton on the call.
 
Notes:
Time for some MACTION: Detroit Mercy's game at WMU is the second leg of three road games at Mid-American Conference (MAC) opponents on the schedule. The Titans opened the season at Eastern Michigan and will travel to Northern Illinois (Dec. 10).
 
Let's Run it Back:
The Titans and Broncos were scheduled to meet last season but severe winter weather conditions caused the game to be canceled.
 
A Look at the Broncos:
Western Michigan is 4-3 on the season and is riding a three-game win streak after defeating UNC Ashville, Valparaiso and Davenport. WMU also defeated #HLWBB opponent YSU. The Broncos are led by graduate student guard Kaitlyn Zarycki in scoring (16.3 ppg) and rebounds per game (4.7) while sophomore guard Alli Carlson leads the team in assists per game (3.6).
 
All-Time Series:
WMU leads the all-time series 20-14 and has won the last 12 consecutive meetings.
 
A win would…
Snap a seven-game skid against the Broncos and would be the first time UDM has won since a 97-57 decision on Nov. 28, 2012. It would also be the first time the Titans won three consecutive games since the 2016-17 season.
 
Last Time Out: 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.
 
High-Five:
• Detroit Mercy had five players in double figures in their win over Oakland led by 13 from Corcoran in her first game back with the Titans.
• Senior Irene Murua posted her second consecutive double-double and third of the season with 12 points on 6-of-9 shooting while grabbing 11 rebounds.
• Junior Emma Trawally Porta posted her second double-double of the year with 10 points and 10 boards.
• Sophomore Amaya Burch added 11 points with a solid effort from the free throw line going 6-for-7 with four rebounds
• Graduate student Imani McNeal rounded out the five in double-figures with 10 points and four rebounds.
 
It's Been a While:
• Detroit Mercy's 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.
 
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.
 
Marvelous Murua:
• Senior Irene Murua leads the team in scoring (11.6 ppg – 15th HL) and ranks second in rebounds per game (8.1 – 2nd HL).
• 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.
• Averaged 12.5 ppg, 6.5 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game, shooting a blistering 10-for-17 from the field (58.8%) with two blocks to lead Detroit Mercy to a 1-1 record at MSU and Dayton.
• 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.
• 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 (25) and assists per game (2.8 – 15th HL).
• Poured in a career-high 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.
• Matched a career-high with 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).
• Had 12 points going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line, 2-for-4 from 3-point range coming off the bench
 
Hot from the Field:
• Murua also leads the team in field goal percentage shooting a blistering 61.1% from the floor.
• Hooper ranks second on the team shooting 42.9% from the field.
 
Get that Outta Here:
• Junior Emma Trawally Porta is picking up where she left off last season leading the team in blocks (12) and blocks per game (1.5 – 3rd 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 (7.9 – 2nd HL).
• She 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.
 
Real Deal McNeal:
• 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 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.
 
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.
 
Suffocating Defense:
• 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:
• The Titans held the Cougars 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.
 
Crash the Boards:
• The Titans grabbed 54 rebounds with 23 against Chicago State
• UDM grabbed 51 total rebounds with 17 offensive boards that led to 13 second-chance points.
 
Down Low Dominance:
• UDM scored 50 of its 83 points in the paint against Chicago 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.
 
Returning Starters (6):
Murua - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Started in all 30 games
• Led the team in scoring (12.1 – 15th HL); led the HL in offensive rebounds per game (3.3) while ranking third in field goal percentage (51.7%); also ranked fourth in HL in rebounds per game (8.1).
• Led the Titans in field goals (152), steals (3) steals per game (1.1)
• Also led the team with six double-doubles while reaching double figures a team-best 21 times
• Grabbed double-digit rebounds in 10 games with a career-high 17 at North Dakota.
• Poured in a career-high 23 points on 9-of-12 shooting and a perfect 5-for-5 from the free throw line just missing a double-double with nine rebounds at Oakland (2/20).
 
Imani McNeal - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Started in 19 of 25 games played
• Named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Academic (CSC) Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Team
• Led team and ranked third in HL in free throw percentage (83.1). Ranked second on the team in points per game (9.9) and steals (24).
• Scored a team-high 16 points on 7-for-15 shooting and 2-for-3 from 3-point range with four rebounds while matching a season-best four assists at PFW (2/28).
• Scored in double figures 12 times including seven of the last nine games after returning from injury against CSU (1/26).
• Poured in a career-high 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting while adding a career-best 11-for-12 from the free throw line vs Miami Hamilton (12/8).
 
Emma Trawally Porta - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Started in 24 of 28 games played
• Named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Academic (CSC) Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Team
• Led the HL and ranked 18th in the nation in blocks per game (2.2) and total blocks (62) which ranked 26th Nationally.
• Posted four or more blocks in nine games with a career-high six blocks at WSU (2/25) and five vs MKE (2/5).
• Scored in double figures 10 times with three career double-doubles and also led the team in field goal percentage (53.8)
• Grabbed double-digit rebounds in seven games
 
Amaya Burch - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Saw action in 28 games making 17 starts
• #HLWBB All-Freshman Team selection
• Scored in double-figures 12 times while grabbing 10 boards or more in three games.
• Tied for second on the team with three double-doubles.
• Led the team in 3-point field goals (29), ranked third in rebounds per game (4.7).
 
Myonna Hooper - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Saw action in all 30 games making 26 starts
• Led the team in assists (58) and assists per game (1.9).
• Reached double figures five times while grabbing a career-best seven rebounds four times.
• Dished out a career-best five assists in three games
 
Lucia Fleta Robles - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Saw action in all 30 games making 21 starts
• Ranked second on the team in assists (53) and assists per game (1.8) and third in 3-pointers (14).
• Reached double figures in five games.
• Had eight points with five rebounds and three assists in the Titans' first win in program history over IUPUI (2/16).
 
Other Returners (1):
Jada Moorehead - 2022-23 Highlights:
• Saw action in 28 games with three starts
• Scored seven points while grabbing a career-high eight rebounds in her double-double attempt vs Green Bay (2/3).
• Added five points going 3-for-4 from the free throw line in the Titans' first #HLWBB win of the season over RMU (1/7).
 
Newcomers (8):
These newcomers will look to make an immediate impact.
2 Makayla Jackson G - Alexandria, Va./Bullis School
3 Jaida Hampton Gr. - G Lansing, Mich./East Lansing (SIUE)
10 Paris Gilmore Fr. G - Youngstown, Ohio/Warrensville Heights
11 Cyd Rivera Gr. G - Woodside, NY / Lutheran High North (Pepperdine)
12 Maddie Diabate Jr. G - Paris, France / Long Island Lutheran (Georgia Highlands)
13 Annika Corcoran R-Sr. G - Chardon, Ohio/Gilmour Academy (Akron)
21 Latifa Amzil Jr. F - Helsinki, Finland/Mäkelänrinne SH (Chipola College)
24 Kamari Forrest Fr. G  - Saginaw, Mich./Saginaw
 
Spanish Connection: This year's squad features three student-athletes from Spain consisting of three returners in seniors Irene Murua and Lucia Fleta Robles and junior Emma Trawally Porta.
 
Where You From?
Michigan (4) – Myonna Hooper, Jada Moorehead, Kamari Forrest, Jaida Hampton
Ohio (2) – Annika Corcoran, Paris Gilmore
Georgia (1) – Imani McNeal
New York (1) – Cyd Rivera
New Jersey (1) – Amaya Burch
Virginia (1) – Makayla Jackson
Spain (3) – Irene Murua, Lucia Fleta Robles, Emma Trawally Porta
France (1) – Maddie Diabate
Finland (1) – Latifa Amzil
 
Achter Era Continues: Head Coach Kate Achter (OCK-terr) begins her second season after building a solid foundation during her first season. Under Achter's guidance during the 2022-23 campaign, the women's hoops squad increased their win total by four games beginning with a win over Canisius which snapped a 24-game home court losing skid. The Titans also secured a series sweep over Robert Morris in #HLWBB play and also upset defending league champion IUPUI for the first time in program history. Additionally, Amaya Burch (the coaching staff's first recruit) earned All-Freshman Team honors after scoring in double-figures 12 times while grabbing 10 boards or more in three games. She also led the team in 3-pointers made (29) while ranking second with three double-doubles and third in rebounds per game (4.7).
 
Coaching Staff Promotions: Nicole "Colie" Shelwick was promoted to Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator while  Andrea Cecil was promoted to Assistant Coach.
 
2023-24 Horizon League Preseason Poll: Detroit Mercy was picked to finish 10th in the 2023-24 Under Armour #HLWBB Preseason Poll as voted on by each member institution's Head Coach and announced by the league office.
 
Season Rewind:
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 second consecutive game while senior Lucia Fleta Robles added five points. Junior Latifa Amzil connected on her first a 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 student 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.).