March 12, 2008

Box Score

KATY, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks were unable to overcome their offensive struggles falling to Lamar, 60-48, in the first round of the 2008 Southland Conference Championship tournament. The Ladyjacks knocked down 12-of-30 (.400) from the floor in the second half, but shot only 29 percent for the game. SFA ends the season with a 12-17 overall record.

The Ladyjacks started the night hitting only one of their first 14 shots, but Lamar was only able to muster a 7-2 lead. The Ladyjacks battled back to tie the game at seven, and went to the free throw line with an opportunity to take its first lead of the game, but did not convert.

The Lady Cardinals responded by rattling off 12 consecutive points, and the Ladyjacks were able to get no closer than eight points. Despite only knocking down 17 field goals in the game, Lamar was able to maintain its advantage by dominating the glass. The Lady Cardinals outrebounded SFA, 57-27. The Ladyjacks forced Lamar into 23 turnovers, but SFA was only able to convert that into 19 points.

Senior Nikki Carr closed out her career with a six-point effort. She also pulled down two rebounds, dished out an assist, recorded three steals and blocked a shot. Freshman Ebony Alexander added 12 points on 3-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc, while classmate Jordan Ford added 10.

Lamar was led by Brittney Williams who scored 18 points. Nikki Williams scored 16 points and pulled down a game-high 14 rebounds, while freshman Tamara Abalde scored 16 points and grabbed eight boards.

Lamar (18-12) advances to the seminfinals where it will face eighth-seeded Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who upset regular-season champion Texas State. Texas-Arlington and Texas-San Antonio also advanced to the semifinals.

-SFA-