Dec. 7, 2007

Box Score

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Despite starting the game 0-for-its-first-8 and falling behind 12-0, the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team was able to rally to claim a 71-54 victory over Alcorn State Friday night in the first round of State Farm Tiger Classic at Mizzou Arena. The Ladyjacks are now 2-5 on the season.

The Ladyjacks trailed for the first 13:58 of the game but was able to utilize its strong bench to get back in the game. Sophomore Whitney Cormier came off the bench to score 17 points and pull down 13 rebounds to help SFA cut into the deficit. Junior Jessica Gaines continued the SFA assault when she checked into the lineup and immediately put back in an SFA miss and drilled a three-pointer. Gaines finished the game with 10 points and five rebounds.

Freshman Chantol Drennan returned to the SFA lineup for the first time since the season opener to score 10 points and pull down six rebounds. The Ladyjacks finished the game with a 39-21 advantage in points off the bench points.

Senior Nikki Carr knocked down a jumper with 6:02 remaining to give the Ladyjacks their first lead of the game, and they wouldn't relinquish it. Carr would finish with another strong performance scoring 12 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Despite a couple of runs by Alcorn State, the Ladyjacks would maintain control of the game.

SFA also made their opponents pay for their miscues. The Ladyjacks forced Alcorn State into 20 turnovers, which SFA was able to convert into 21 points. The Ladyjacks turned the ball over15 times but SFA was able to limit the damage caused by those turnovers. The Lady Braves were only able to score nine points off the SFA miscues.

Freshman Antoinette Davis added eight points and eight rebounds. Classmate Jordan Ford added nine points and pulled down six rebounds in a victorious effort.

The Ladyjacks will return to action Saturday evening to face the winner of the Mississippi Valley State game. If Missouri defeats MVSU, the Ladyjacks will take the court at 6:30 p.m.

-SFA-