Harden Records Double-Double as Ladyjack's Comeback Falls Short Against the Lancers

Saturday, January 28

Nacogdoches, Texas

2:00 p.m.

Stephen F. Austin

17-4,7-2WAC

California Baptist

11-9,7-2WAC

California Baptist

SFA

Harden Records Double-Double as Ladyjack's Comeback Falls Short Against the Lancers

1/28/2023 4:07:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Colby Jackson, SFA Student Assistant for Strategic Communications

NACOGDOCHES, Texas - California Baptist defeated Stephen F. Austin 82-74 in the Ladyjack's second home loss this season. The Ladyjacks fall to 17-4 (WAC 7-2) while the Lancers improve to 11-9 (WAC 7-2).

The Lancers did what they do best, and that's making baskets beyond the arc, giving the Ladyjacks a hard time trying to keep up. CBU went 5-for-10 on three-pointers in the first quarter alone, while the Ladyjacks struggled to find the basket in general, only making two shots on 12 attempts from the field. SFA couldn't seem to get anything going early on as the Lancers went on a 15-2 run during the first quarter, which set the tone for the rest of the next three quarters. The Lancers outscored the Ladyjacks in points off turnovers 10-0 in the first ten minutes.

The second quarter wasn't much different than the first as CBU went 6-for-7 on shots beyond the arc, making SFA's deficit as big as 18 points during the quarter. The Ladyjacks did however force the Lancers to commit 12 fouls and seven turnovers in the first half, but wasn't able to take full advantage of their mistakes as they went into halftime down 14 at 48-34.

The second half was more favorable than the first as the defense stepped up and only allowed CBU to make three baskets on ten attempts in the third quarter. However, fouls committed by the Ladyjacks allowed the Lancers to put up eight points on eleven attempts. The Ladyjacks had multiple opportunities to make big plays and swing the momentum to their side, but some questionable calls by the referees halted whatever runs they could get which fired up Coach Kellogg and the entire coaching staff on the sideline. The 'Jacks entered the fourth quarter down 13, determined to do whatever it takes to make the comeback.

A big moment of the game came early in the fourth quarter when CBU's lead scorer, Trinity San Antonio, recorded her fifth foul and was forced to the bench for the rest of the game. That foul seemed to give some life to the Ladyjacks as they went on to a 14-4 run and bring the deficit down to three at 71-68. But once again, some more questionable calls by the refs and a small five-point run by the Lancers appeared to end the comeback by the Ladyjacks, and forced SFA to suffer their fourth loss of the season.

The Ladyjacks definitely didn't go down without a fight, as five of their players finished the game with double figures in the scoring category. Jordan Harrison led the way with 15 points as well as leading the team with three assists and three steals. Kurstyn Harden recorded her second double-double of the year with 14 points and ten rebounds. She also had the team's only two blocks on the day. Destini Lombard dropped 12 points, while Avery Brittingham tallied 11 points and nine rebounds of her own. Aiyana Johnson rounded out the double-digit scorers with ten points, going a perfect 6-6 from the free-throw line.

The Ladyjacks outplayed the Lancers in: free throw percentage (77.8-70.8) and points in the paint (36-26). There was also a total of 49 fouls in the game, CBU with 29 and SFA with 20.

Stephen F. Austin now looks to rebound on the road trip starting at Tarleton State on Thursday, February 2nd, with tipoff scheduled at 6:00 p.m.