March 1, 2008

LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Lamar University women's basketball team used a gutty effort to pull out a 64-55 win over the McNeese State Cowgirls Saturday afternoon at Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, La.

Leading 54-38 with 8:25 to play in the game, the Lady Cardinals watched their 16 point get erased to two points as McNeese marched to the free throw line 10 times over the next five mutes of play. The Cowgirls sank all 10 freebies and added a pair of layups to cut the score to 54-52 with four minutes to play.

Lamar snapped the 14-0 run with an Aida Bakhos three-pointer from the top of the key, boosting their lead to five points. The shot proved to be a nail in the coffin for the Lady Cards, as they outscored McNeese 10-3 over the final four minutes for the nine point win.

The Lady Cards final seven points came from the free throw line, where they went 7-11 in the final 1:48 of the game. As a team Lamar sank 13 of their 21 free throws for the game, while the Cowgirls made 23 of 33.

The win gives Lamar an 8-6 record in Southland Conference play and improves their overall record to 15-12. McNeese falls to 8-20 on the year and 6-8 in SLC play.

In the first half the Lady Cardinals had total control of the game, building their lead to as much as 11 points on three different occasions. They took an eight point cushion into the locker room at halftime a 3-0 run by McNeese in the final 1:12 of the opening period.

The Lady Cardinals were led by Tamara Abalde's 15 points and eight rebounds, while Brittney Williams added 12 points. Bakhos finished the game with 12 points and Trashanna Smith added her second straight double-double in as many games with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Nikki Williams also had a strong performance for Lamar with nine points and nine rebounds, while passing out four assists.

McNeese was led by Shante' Perry who had a game-high 23 points while Courtnee' Hollins added 17 points. They were led in rebounding by Reeshimah Davis who pulled down nine boards.

As a team the Lady Cardinals shot 44.4 percent from the field, sinking 24 of their 54 shots, while McNeese managed to make just 15 of their 45 shots for 33.3 percent. Lamar was also dominant on the glass as they out rebounded the Cowgirls 45-28.

The Lady Cards will travel to Thibodaux, La. for their final road game of the season against the Nicholls State Lady Colonels on Thursday night at 7 p.m.