Ladyjacks Defeat Sam, Sweep Season Series from Bearkats :: Senior Nikki Carr records a double-double in the victory

Feb. 23, 2008

HUNTSVILLE, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks recorded a 76-58 victory over Sam Houston State Saturday afternoon at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. The victory marked the team's third consecutive win, and improved SFA to 10-14 on the season, and 7-5 in Southland Conference play. Along with the help of Northwestern State, who defeated Lamar, the Ladyjacks have moved into a two-way tie for fourth in the league standings.

The Ladyjacks never trailed in the game, knocking down 15-of-34 (.441) shots, and outrebounding the Bearkats by five, 22-17. Sam Houston State connected on 12-of-32 shots (.375), but went 0-for-7 from beyond the arc in the opening half.

The two teams traded buckets for most of the half, but SFA was able to build its advantage to as many as nine points in first-half, 30-21, with 3:20 remaining. Despite a Bearkat rally, and some late turnovers, the Ladyjacks were able to take a six-point advantage into the locker room.

The two teams seemed to mimic each other to start the second half. Both teams started the half missing shots, and turning it over, but both teams settled down. After trading buckets the Ladyjacks were able to push their lead to 16 points. Junior Natashia Green sparked the run, coming off the bench to drill a three. Following the triple, Green stole the inbound pass and recorded the layup. She finished the game with 12 points and five rebounds.

The Bearkats responded with a run to cut the lead down to eight points. Junior Lydia Gonzales sparked an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 53-45 with 10:14 remaining. She finished the game with a team-high 18 points and 15 rebounds, but the Ladyjacks put a halt to the run and didn't allow the `Kats to get any closer.

SFA outscored Sam Houston State, 23-13, over the final 10 minutes of the game for the victory. Senior Nikki Carr paced the SFA attack with 15 points and 13 rebounds. She just missed a triple-double by two assists. Freshman Jordan Ford chipped 12, while classmate Chantol Drennan added 11.

The Ladyjacks return to action Thursday, Feb. 28, when they host Texas State in the William R. Johnson Coliseum. The against the Bobcats is slated to begin at 7 p.m.

-SFA-