Feb. 15, 2008

McNeese State women's basketball team (6-17, 4-5 SLC) will host Texas-Arlington 13-8, 8-2 SLC) at 4 p.m. today at Burton Coliseum in McNeese State's "Think Pink" game.

The "Think Pink" initiative is a global, unified effort for the WBCA's (Women's Basketball Coaches Association) nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. February 8-17 was set aside for this year's initiative. Over 900 school's have taken part in this year's event, including McNeese State.

Admission is free with a $2 donation and fans are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. All cancer survivors will be honored at halftime. Twenty one year breast cancer survivor Ethel Precht will serve as honorary coach.

McNeese State, second in the East Division behind Lamar (6-3) is coming off a 90-55 road loss to Texas State Thursday night. The Cowgirls are led in scoring by Courtnee' Hollins, Brittany Boone and Shante' Perry. All three players are averaging in double figures in Southland Conference games only. Hollins leads the Cowgirls ranks fourth with 20.7 ppg.

Perry is averaging 16.2 ppg. and Boone is averaging 11.9 ppg. Hollins also ranks second in the SLC with 55 three-pointers made (2.39 pg.) and free throw percent at 81.2. Her consecutive free throw string ended at 37 Thursday night when she missed the second of two free throws in the first half. Guard Lenissa Lopez ranks second in the SLC with a 1.72 assists/turnover ratio.

Texas-Arlington enters the game in third place in the West Division behind Texas State and Texas-San Antonio. The Mavericks are coming off a 69-46 home victory over Lamar. Maryann Abanobi and Candice Champion are the only two Mavericks averaging in double figures. Abanobi is averaging 13.0 ppg. and Champion is averaging 10.9 ppg.

This will be the 52nd meeting between the teams with UT-Arlington holding a 32-19 overall series record. UTA has won nine of the last ten meetings including last year's 64-45 win in Arlington last season. McNeese holds a 13-11 record in games played in Lake Charles.