Stephen F. Austin
Jacksonville State
Ladyjacks Defeat JSU, Advance to Tournament Finals
11/29/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 29, 2008
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Stephen F. Austin women's basketball team jumped out to a 7-0 lead, and never trailed Friday evening as they recorded a 61-51 victory over Jacksonville State in the opening round of the 24th Annual Piggly Wiggle Classic in Memphis, Tenn. The Ladyjacks improved to 4-1 (.800) on the season, while Jacksonville State remains winless on the year at 0-5.
Despite the Ladyjacks early lead, SFA couldn't run and hide from a Gamecock team that is search of first victory of the season. SFA built big leads throughout the contest only to see Jacksonville State rally to keep it close. After falling behind by seven points, JSU rallied to cut the lead to one. The Ladyjacks responded by building the lead to nine points prior to the intermission.
Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the opening half. SFA connected on only 11-of-38 (.289) shots, including an 0-of-9 performance from beyond the arc, while the Gamecocks were held to a 7-of-24 (.292) performance. While the Ladyjack offense was fighting to find its rhythm, the Ladyjack defense was picking up the slack. SFA forced the Gamecocks into 14 turnovers, and took a 30-16 rebounding edge into the locker room.
SFA came out of the locker room with a six-point advantage, 28-22, and immediately increased its lead to double digits. SFA went up by 11 points when junior Whitney Cormier scored two of her six points with 16:09 remaining. JSU responded by cutting the lead to seven points behind Jolie Efezokhae's 11 points and five rebounds.
The Ladyjacks responded with a run of their own to push the lead up to 15 points. Behind improved shooting, maintaining defensive pressure and a senior who came off the bench to lead the team in scoring the Ladyjacks built their lead to as many as 19 points in the second half, and never allowed JSU to get closer than nine points for the rest of the contest.
Senior Natashia Green came off the bench to provide a huge offensive spark. She led SFA with 12 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Tammara Marion added 10 points and three rebounds. The Ladyjacks finished the game 23-of-67 (.343) from the floor after shooting 41 percent in the second half. SFA held the Gamecocks to a 17-of-55 (.309) performance, while outrebounding JSU, 53-38.
The Ladyjacks return to action Saturday when they will face tournament-host Memphis in the championship game of the 24th Annual Piggly Wiggly Classic. The game against the Tigers is slated to begin at 7 p.m. from the Elma Roane Fieldhouse.
-SFA-
