March 1, 2006
THIBODAUX, La. - After jumping out to a big first half lead, the Lamar University women's basketball team held off a second half surge and eventually pulled away from the Nicholls State Lady Colonels for a 78-60 win at Stopher Gym in Thibodaux, La.
The win gives Lamar sole possession of eight place in the Southland Conference with just one game to play. Eight teams qualify for the tournament which begins next Monday.
The Lady Cardinals jumped out to a big first half lead behind the hot shooting of Shayla Lacy who knocked down four three pointers in the first 20 minutes. Lamar went into the half with a 14 point lead, and appeared to be in the driver's seat.
Nicholls however raced back in the second half, closing to within two points of the Lady Cards on several occasions. The Lady Colonels came within two points with 7:59 to play, and had a chance to close it to one point, but Jamie Octave missed a her free throw attempt after a made basket.
The Lady Cards responded to the missed opportunity by Octave, stretching their lead to 18 points in the final eight minutes.
The Lady Cards had their best offensive team performance of the season Wednesday night, with five players scoring in double figures. LaToya Carson led the way for Lamar with 16 points, knocking down 12 of 13 free throws.
Lacy and Shaquita Coffey each added 13 points for the Lady Cards, while Audrea Samuel posted a double double with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Also coming up huge off the bench for Lamar was Jameslon Knowles who poured in 12 points. It was her second consecutive double digit performance, and the only two of her career at Lamar.
Two factors weighed heavily in the game, as LU shot 62.5 percent from behind the three point line and 82.5 percent from the free throw line. Lamar knocked down 33 of their 40 free throws in the game.
The Lady Cards out rebounded Nicholls 44 to 29 in the game, and won the shooting percentage battle 44.1 percent to 37 percent. Each team turned over the ball 21 times.
The Lady Cardinals will be in action again Friday morning at 11 a.m. when they take on the Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions. The game will be the final regular season game for both teams.
