Stephen F. Austin
Texas Southern
Ladyjacks Rout Texas Southern
12/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 6, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Ten players scored in double figures as the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team recorded an 82-43 victory over Texas Southern Sunday afternoon in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The Ladyjacks are now 4-2 (.667) on the season.
"I thought we moved the ball well against their zone in the first half," said head coach Lee Ann Riley. "Our defensive pressure really affected the game. We forced them into 25 turnovers, and we finished at the other end. It is so important for us to score off turnovers."
The Ladyjacks utilized pressure defense and hot shooting to build a 24-point first-half advantage, 36-12, with 7:02 remaining before halftime. SFA forced Texas Southern into 15 first-half turnovers, which they converted into 19 points. SFA also held the Tigers to a 7-for-26 (.269) shooting performance in the opening half.
While the TSU offense was sputtering, the Ladyjack offense was in high gear. SFA shot 54.3 percent from the field, including an 8-of-16 (.500) performance from beyond the three-point arc as they pushed their advantage to 36 points heading into the locker room at halftime, 56-20.
Even when the Ladyjacks missed a shot in the first half, they were getting second looks. SFA also took a 23-14 advantage on the glass into the locker room.
Although the Ladyjacks cooled to a 10-of-34 (.294) performance in the second half, Texas Southern was unable to get any closer than 30. The Ladyjacks finished the game 29-of-69 (.420), including an 11-of-29 (.379) performance from beyond the arc. TSU was held to 29 percent from the floor, and was outrebounded, 45-37.
"The one thing I was disappointed with was our intensity coming out of the locker room in the second half," said Riley. "But overall, I was very pleased with our effort. It doesn't matter which five I have out on the floor, they all really enjoy being around one another and it shows when they are on the floor."
Senior Whitney Cormier led all Ladyjacks with her 12 points. She also finished the day with five rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks. Sophomore Schera Sampson added 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Ladyjacks return to action Saturday to take on Houston Baptist. The game against the Huskies is slated to begin at 2:05 p.m. from Sharp Gym.
-SFA-
