Jan. 24, 2008

Box Score

NATCHITOCHES-- McNeese State's women's basketball team ran into a hot shooting Northwestern State team here Thursday night as the Cowgirls fell 90-62 in a Southland Conference Women's basketball game.

Lake Charles native Tena Matthews led all players with 24 points, two points shy of tying her career high. Matthews was 10 of 14 from the field and four of five from the free throw.

McNeese was led by Courtnee' Hollins' 22 points while Shante' Perry scored a career high 20 points on seven of 13 from the field, four of seven from three-point range and two of three from the free throw line.

"We couldn't get into a rhythm and give credit to Northwestern State for shooting the ball well tonight," said head coach Brooks Donald Williams.

Northwestern State took the lead from the tip and never allowed the Cowgirls to get close. The Lady Demons led by as much as 35 points with 3:03 left in the first half and held a 51-21 halftime lead.

Northwestern State shot 58.1% from the field, making 18 of 31 attempts. Just about every shot they attempted went in as they connected 53.8% from three-point range and 80.0% from the free throw line. When the Lady Demons missed they grabbed the rebound and they outrebounded the Cowgirls 26-11 in the half.

The Cowgirls were pressured throughout the game and just couldn't get into their offense. McNeese was seven of 27 from the field (25.9%) including two of eight from three-point range and five of seven from the free throw line in the first half. McNeese ended the game shooting 40% from the field and 84.2 from the free throw line.

"Courtnee' and Shante' fought hard all night long to get open shots. Both were pressured and had to create their shots."

McNeese outscored the Lady Demons 41-39 in the second half after shooting 56.5 % from the field and 91.7% from the free throw line but fell short of winning its fifth overall game and third Southland Conference game this season.

Brittany Boone was held scoreless tonight and saw limited playing time due to the flu. "When Boone, Courtnee' and Shante' aren't making their shots, that hurts us."

McNeese returns to Southland Conference play this Saturday, hosting Central Arkansas at 4 p.m. at Jennings High School.