Feb. 14, 2008

Box Score

CONWAY, Ark - Senior Nikki Carr scored 30 points, and pulled down 10 rebounds as the Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks rallied for an 82-65 victory over Central Arkansas Thursday night. SFA improved to 8-14 overall and 5-5 in Southland Conference play. Carr also added seven assists and four steals in the victorious effort.

After UCA jumped out to an 8-1 lead, SFA went on a run 10-3 run to tie the game at 11 with 12:14 remaining. The Ladyjacks had eight chances to take their first lead of the game, but were unable to convert. After a drought by both teams that last 8:45, the Sugar Bears went on a 10-0 to take a double-digit advantage. UCA pushed its lead to as many as 11 points before SFA closed out the half with another run.

Despite shooting only 31 percent from the floor in the opening half, SFA outscored the home team 21-12 to head into the locker down by only one, 33-32. The Sugar Bears knocked down 42 percent of their shots in the opening half, but were hurt by 17-first half turnovers which SFA cashed in for 12 points.

The Sugar Bears jumped out of the gate to push their lead to four points early in the second half, but the Ladyjacks rallied by knocking down 6-of-their-first-10 shots to take only their second lead of the game. After consecutive UCA turnovers SFA was able to push the lead to seven, 46-39, early in the half.

Behind some strong second-half shooting, 16-of-39 (.410), SFA was able to push its lead to as many as 16 points. The Ladyjacks shot 27-of-75 (.360) from the floor for the game. SFA also dominated the glass outrebouding their opponents, 49-38.

Junior Jessica Gaines scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Freshman Jordan Ford added 10 points. The Sugar Bears were led by Kia Lee who scored 20 points and pulled down nine rebounds.

The Ladyjacks return to action Saturday when they will host Northwestern State. The game against the Lady Demons is slated to begin at 7 p.m. from the William R. Johnson Coliseum.

-SFA-