Stephen F. Austin
Louisiana-Monroe
Ladyjacks Need Overtime to Oust ULM
3/8/2006 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 8, 2006
NACOGDOCHES - Senior Britany Vinson scored eight, of her 20 points, in overtime to lead the Ladyjacks to a thrilling 72-71 victory over Louisiana-Monroe Wednesday night in the semifinals of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Southland Conference Championships. The Ladyjacks (22-7) will face Texas-San Antonio in the championship game Saturday at 3 p.m.
The game shaped up as a back-n-forth affair in first half that saw neither team gain more than a four-point advantage. Louisiana-Monroe went into halftime leading by two, 32-30, and extended that lead to as many as six in the second half. SFA never allowed the deficit to get any larger than six points.
Despite not having a great night from the floor, the Ladyjacks found themselves with a three-point lead, 62-59, with only 63 seconds remaining, but the Lady Indians' LaJeanna Howard nailed a three-pointer with time winding down to send the game into overtime.
That's when Vinson took over. Vinson scored eight points, including knocking down two three-pointers, to help the Ladyjacks outscore Louisiana-Monroe, 10-9, in the overtime period. Vinson also grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists. Senior LaToya Mills was also a big factor in the game leading SFA with 28 points and 16 rebounds.
The Ladyjacks spent the majority of the game below 40 percent from the floor, despite finishing 26-of-65 (.400). SFA was also out-rebounded, 49-47, but once again found a way to pull out a one-point victory in the tournament.
Sophomore Nikki Carr scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds in the victorious effort. Junior Charity Egenti chipped in seven points and pulled down four rebounds.
The Ladyjacks will go in search of the league's automatic berth into the NCAA Championships Saturday when it squares off against UTSA in the tournament final. The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m., and will be televised on Fox Sports.
-SFA-
