Stephen F. Austin
Rice
Ladyjacks Rally Past Rice
11/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 21, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Senior Whitney Cormier netted a game-high 24 points as the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack rallied to knock off Rice, 92-82, Saturday night in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The victory moves SFA to 2-0 on the year, marking the second consecutive season the Ladyjacks have won their first two games.
The Ladyjacks fell behind by 13 points in the second half after shooting only 28 percent from the floor, while the Owls connected on 14-of-30 (.467) attempts in the opening 20 minutes. While Rice was able to maintain their shooting percentage in the second half, the Ladyjacks really heated up. SFA connected on 21-of-36 (.583) second-half shots to storm past their visitors.
The Ladyjacks' defense pressure once again caused problems recording 12 steals and forcing 23 turnovers, which SFA converted into 23 turnovers. The Owls were able to hang in the game with strong play from their bench. The Owls' bench outscored SFA's reserves, 48-27, but it wasn't enough for Rice to pick up its first win of the season.
Cormier grabbed eight rebounds, recorded four steals, and dished out three assists to go along with her 24 points. Junior Jordan Ford recorded her second consecutive double-double pulling down 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Classmate Toni Davis added 12 points. Rice had four players in double figures, led by Lacey Neu's 14 points.
The Ladyjacks return to action Friday when they travel to Las Cruces, N.M., to compete in the Aggie Hotel Encanto Thanksgiving Classic. SFA will open against Michigan Friday with a 6 p.m. game. The Ladyjacks will return to the court 24 hours later to face SIU-Edwardsville. -SFA-
