March 19, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Lee (Tenn.) University avoids becoming the second No. 1 seed to fall in day one of the 2008 NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Tournament with a 66-60 win over eighth seeded Brescia (Ky.) University.  This win marked the first for Lee in the national tournament, and also avenged an opening round loss to an eighth seeded Brescia team in last year's tournament. 

 

The Lee Lady Flames (32-2) posted their 27th straight win of the season by jumping out to a 6-0 lead on three pointers from Jan Dodson and Jessica Still.  Brescia (18-13) answered back with a 15-5 run to take a four-point lead at the 9:42 mark of the first half.  Lee jumped back on top with an 11-0 run of their own to lead 22-15 with 7:10 left in the half.  A basket from Lee's Katie Nelson with 3:18 left in the half, put Lee up by three points.  That field goal was the last for either team in the first half.  The Lady Flames held the 24-21 halftime lead.

 

Like the first half, the Lady Flames open play with two quick three pointers to increase their lead to nine points, 30-21, just two minutes into play.  Brescia slowly cut the lead down to two points, 36-34 with 12:28 left in the game.  However, Lee used an 11-3 run to take their biggest lead of the game at 10 points, 47-37 with 10:40 left.  Brescia again rallied and this time was able to tie the game at 54-54, then again at 56-56 with 4:30 left in the game.  The Bearcats of Brescia took a brief lead of 58-57 on a field goal from Christal Floyd with 2:02 left in the game.  But Lee answered with two free throws from Dodson to retake the lead for good.  The Lady Flames stretched the lead out to 66-58, before winning 66-60.

 

Lee was led by Still with 21 points.  Aaron Richmond scored 15 points, Fallon Lee added 11 points, and Dodson posted 10 points.  Katie Nelson added 10 rebounds for the Lady Flames.

 

Brescia was led by Helen McKinney with a game-high 23 points and 11 rebounds for her double-double.  Floyd added 18 points for the Bearcats.

 

Lee advances to play Lubbock Christian (Texas) on Friday at 2:15 pm in the second round.

 

 

NAIA

A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.