The Chicago Blaze women’s pro basketball team started the 2003 season off on the wrong foot with a 72-67 loss to the Grand Rapids Blizzard (1-0). The Blaze, who struggled for most of the game, shot a woeful 40.7% from the floor and 63.6% from the free-throw line. Stacey Thomas (WNBA Minnesota Lynx) led the Blizzard with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 6 steals. Jannon Roland (Purdue University) led the Blaze with 15 points. Dominique Canty (WNBA Detroit Shock) and Anna Deforge (University of Nebraska) each chipped in 13.
Chicago’s home games will be held at the DePaul Athletic Center, 2323 N. Sheffield. For ticket info, see www.chicagoblaze.com.
The NWBL showcases professional women basketball players across the nation, including players from the Women’s National Basketball Association who choose to stay in the U.S. to play during the off-season.