Feb. 16, 2006

HUNTSVILLE, Texas - The Lamar University women's basketball team snapped its four game losing streak Thursday night, knocking off the Sam Houston State Bearkats 51-46 at Johnson Coliseum in Huntsville.

Trailing 26-24 at halftime, the Lady Cards came out in the second half determined to shut down the Bearkat three point shooting which they relied on in the opening 20 minutes. They did just that, allowing SHSU to knock down just two three pointers in the second half.

Without the three ball in the arsenal, Sam Houston's offense struggled under the pressure of the Lady Cardinal defense. Lamar forced Sam Houston into shooting just 28.6 percent from the field in the second half. Lamar used their defense to spur their offense and out score SHSU 27-20.

The Lady Cardinals sealed the deal in the closing minutes with clutch free throw shooting. Audrea Samuel sank two freebies with 1.44 seconds to play for the five point lead.

The Lady Cardinals were led by Samuel's 19 points, while Bridgette Brackens came up big with 11 points. LaToya Carson did not have her typical high scoring night, but came up with nine rebounds to lead all players.

The Berarkats were led by Erica Parker's 13 points and Jamie Davison chipped in with 10 points.

The Lady Cardinals shot 36.7 percent from the field while holder Sam Houston to 32.6 percent, and out rebounded the Bearkats 35 to 31.

The Lady Cardinals will be in action again Saturday night at the Montagne Center, when they take on the Southland Conference front runner UT-Arlington at 7 p.m.