Jan. 26, 2008

Box Score

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjack basketball team gave its fans exactly what they paid for Saturday afternoon. SFA recorded a 73-40 victory over Sam Houston State at the William R. Johnson Coliseum in front of the largest crowd of the year (2,228). The victory propels SFA to 6-11 on the season, and 3-2 in Southland Conference play, while the Bearkats fall to 1-17 on the season, and 0-5 in league action.

Saturday also marked Sue Gunter Day on the SFA campus, which saw the return of former players such as Rosie Walker, Barbara Brown and Doris Felderhoff. Hall of Fame coaches Jody Conradt and Leon Barmore were in town to honor former SFA head coach, and two-time Hall of Fame selection, Sue Gunter. At halftime of the game, SFA dedicated the Sue Gunter Ladyjack Basketball Office Suite.

It only seemed fitting with SFA honoring the late Sue Gunter, that the Ladyjacks would record the program's 800th all-time win in front of its largest crowd, which included so many former players, and against its arch rival. With the victory SFA joins Tennessee, Louisiana Tech, Old Dominion, Texas and James Madison as the only schools that have won 800 games.

The game remained close for the first 6:15, but the Ladyjacks rattled off a 10-0 run to take a 20-10 advantage. SFA would never look back as it took a 17-point lead into the locker room.

The Ladyjacks built their lead to 30 points late in the game behind senior Nikki Carr who scored all 11 of her points in the second half. Junior Jessica Gaines led all scorers with her 15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including three three-pointers. Classmate Natashia Green added 14 points and six rebounds.

Freshman Chantol Drennan came off the bench to score nine points, and pull down a game-high 10 rebounds. Classmate Ebony Alexander also came off the bench to chip in nine. Freshman Jordan Ford added eight points and seven rebounds.

The Ladyjacks return to action Thursday when they travel to San Marcos, Texas to face Texas State. The game against the Bobcats is slated to begin at 7 p.m. from Strahan Coliseum.

-SFA-