Stephen F. Austin
5-1,0-0WAC
New Mexico
4-2,0-0Mountain West
Ladyjacks Hold on to Escape New Mexico in Katy
11/26/2021 9:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball
The SFA Ladyjack basketball team finished strong to avoid a late New Mexico comeback attempt and take game one of the Van Chancellor Classic by a score of 71-66. The victory bumps the 'Jacks to 5-1 on the season.
It was a relatively even first half, with the 'Jacks taking a two-point lead into the break. However, a 14-0 run to open up the third quarter helped blow the game open for the Ladyjacks. They outscored New Mexico 26-9 in the third to take a 53-34 lead heading into the final 10 minutes of action. The Lobos kept fighting, as a 14-0 run of their own got them right back into the game, but the 'Jacks hit their free-throws late to deny New Mexico from ever taking the lead.
Aiyana Johnson led the way for the Ladyjacks with a season-high 26 points on 9-14 shooting and 5 rebounds, including 9 points in the dominant third quarter. Avery Brittingham and BriAnna Mitchell also kept up their hot start to the season, adding 13 and 14 points respectively. Stephanie Visscher finished with 8 points and contributed on the defensive side of the ball with 5 steals and a block.
Once again a key factor for the Ladyjacks was the battle inside. The team outscored New Mexico 38-22 in the paint.
Game two for the Ladyjacks in Katy tips off Saturday at 4:00 p.m. against Ball State.
