Feb. 15, 2007
BEAUMONT - Behind double-double performances from three players, the Lamar University women's basketball team snapped a four-game losing streak, taking out the Sugar Bears of the University of Central Arkansas 81-78 at the Montagne Center, Thursday night.
Seniors Dionne Pounds and LaToya Carson were joined by freshman Brittney Williams, as the three all recorded a double-double in the come from behind win. It was the first of Pounds career, the second of the season for Carson, and the ninth of the year for Williams.
The win improved Lamar's record to 10-14 on the season and 5-6 in Southland Conference play, while UCA falls to 10-14 and 4-8.
Trailing by six points at the half at 41-35, the Lady Cardinals flipped their offense into overdrive in the final 15 minutes of the game, as they ran past the Sugar Bears to a tune of 46-37 in the second half. The offensive outburst was keyed by Carson, Pounds and Williams, who proved to be too much to handle for UCA to handle.
During the first five minutes of the half the Sugar Bears appeared to be ready for an offensive slugfest with Lamar. Central Arkansas built their lead to 10 points and a Meaghen Kelleybrew three pointer with 15:41 to play, their largest lead of the game.
The Lady Cardinals then began to chip away at the UCA lead, finding another level of intensity on the defensive end of the floor, causing the Sugar Bear offense to go cold. With the renewed defensive effort the Lady Cardinals pulled themselves into a tie game with 9:03 to play, and took the lead for good with 5:41 to play in the game.
While The Central Arkansas offense struggled from the field, making just one field goal in the final 11:52 of the ball game, Carson and Pounds began to heat up. The two seniors combined for 24 points over the final 11:14 of the game, with Carson tallying 15 and Pounds adding nine.
Despite their lack of field goal shooting, the Sugar Bears would not go away down the stretch, as they sank 21 of 23 free throws in the same time they were unable to convert from the field.
The Lady Cards were also hot from the free throw, as they finished the game with a season-high 83.3 percent from the charity stripe knocking down 20 of their 24 free throws. Carson was clutch, knocking down all nine of her attempts.
For the game Carson led Lamar with 23 points and 10 rebounds, Williams tallied 20 points and 10 boards, while Pounds scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
Central Arkansas was led by Caronica Randle and Allyson Sample who each posted 16 points, while point guard Renita Dobbins scored 12 points and dished out 10 assists. Kelleybrew also posted double digits for the Sugar Bears, scoring 11 points on 4-5 shooting.
As a team the Lady Cardinals shot 47.5 percent from the field (28-59) while holding UCA to just 35.6 percent. The Lady Cardinals also came up big on the boards, out rebounding UCA 45-31.
The Lady Cards will be in action again on Saturday night when they face another critical test in SLC East play, as they host the Northwestern State Lady Demons 7:00 at the Montagne Center.
