Stephen F. Austin
McNeese State
Ladyjacks Rally to Lasso McNeese State
2/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 3, 2005
NACOGDOCHES - It wasn't always pretty but the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team fought back from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat McNeese State, 62-50, Thursday night. The Ladyjacks are now 10-8 (.556) overall and 4-3 (.571) in Southland Conference action.
After shooting only 9-of-30 (.300) from the floor, including a 2-of-10 (.200) performance from beyond the arc, and turning ball over 12 times in the first half the Ladyjacks went into halftime trailing only by four points, 26-22. The Ladyjacks rode the back of junior LaToya Mills who scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds in the first half. She finished the game with 12 points and nine rebounds.
McNeese State seemed to be in complete control of the game pushing its advantage to 12 points, 39-27, with 16:54 remaining. The Cowgirls were led by Regina Spivey who scored 11 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. But the Ladyjacks slowly began to chip away at the lead, outscoring McNeese State, 13-0, over the next 6:15 of the contest to take a one-point lead.
Junior Britany Vinson scored 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds as SFA pushed its advantage to eight points, 51-43, with 6:36 remaining. Classmate Kirby Killingsworth also added 12 points as the Ladyjacks pushed their lead to 12 points as they rolled to their 10th victory of the season.
The Ladyjack defense played a big role in the second half. After forcing only six first-half turnovers, SFA forced McNeese State into 13-second half turnovers, which the Ladyjacks converted into 14 points.
The Ladyjacks finished the game 20-of-56 (.357) from the floor, while holding McNeese State to an 18-for-66 (.273) performance. SFA outrebounded the Cowgirls, 53-45.
The Ladyjacks return to action Saturday when they travel to Hammond, La., to take on Southeastern Louisiana. The game against the Lady Lions is slated to begin at 3 p.m., from the University Center.
-SFA-
