Stephen F. Austin
Jackson State
Ladyjacks Outlast Jackson State, 62-60
12/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2006
JACKSON, Miss. - Senior Charity Egenti scored 20 points and pulled down 7 rebounds as the Ladyjacks defeated Jackson State, 62-60, Saturday night in Jackson, Miss. It marked the third consecutive game that a Ladyjack has scored at least 20 points. The victory improves SFA's record to 8-5 overall.
Both teams started slow offensively shooting less than 30 percent from the floor. SFA held a three point advantage, 7-4, seven minutes into the first half. The Ladyjacks were shooting only 3-12 from the floor, but held JSU to 2-10 and forced the Lady Tigers into seven early turnovers. Jackson State responded by going on a 6-0 run to reclaim the lead and the game remained close throughout the first half as SFA carried a 27-25 lead into the locker room.
The defense dominated the first half. SFA was held to 10-33 (30 percent) from the floor while allowing Jackson State only nine field goals in 27 attempts (33 percent). There were also 29 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes. The Ladyjacks opened the second half with a 12-6 run to take a 39-31 lead with 14:12 remaining. SFA pushed its lead to as many as 10 points before Jackson State rallied to cut the lead to two, 53-51, late in the half.
Jackson State tied the game at 55 with 2:33 on the clock. The game was tied at 57 with less than two minutes remaining when Egenti hit a layup and was fouled. Egenti inverted the free throw to give SFA a three point advantage. The play was pivotal in the outcome of the game as SFA held on for a two point advantage.
The Ladyjacks overcame their offense struggles in the second half, shooting 15-28 (54 percent) from the floor. SFA also outrebounded their opponents, 39-30.
The Ladyjacks will open up Southland Conference play when they travel to Thibodaux, La., to take on Nicholls State. The game against the Lady Colonels will tip off at 6:30 p.m. in Stopher Gym.
-SFA-
