March 10, 2011

KATY, Texas - The Lamar University women's basketball team saw its run for back-to-back State Farm Southland Conference Tournament titles come to an end with a 68-60 overtime loss to Central Arkansas in the semifinals Thursday.

"I don't think this means an end to our season," Lamar coach Larry Tidwell said. "I am confident we will get a bid to the WNIT or the Women's Basketball Invitational."

The Lady Cardinals (25-7) looked to be out of it in regulation, trailing by 10 points with less than three minutes remaining. But Lamar went on a 12-1 run to take a 52-51 lead in the final minute. Central Arkansas tied it at 52 when Nakeia Guiden hit one of two free throws with 18.6 seconds remaining. The Lady Cardinals had a chance to win it at the end, but failed to get a shot off.

"We showed a lot of determination to get back into the game," Tidwell said. We have a lot of heart and character on this team."

Jenna Plumley led Lamar with 14 points. Ang Green had 12 points, Trashanna Smith had a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Kalis Loyd added 10 points for the Lady Cardinals.

Lamar struggled offensively for much of the game, hitting just 37.1 percent of its shots (26-of-70). The Lady Cards were just 3-of-19 (15.8 percent) from 3-point range.

Meanwhile, Central Arkansas was 20-of-49 (40.8 percent) from the floor, including 7-of-16 (43.8 percent) from downtown. The Sugar Bears (21-10) were 21-of-31 from the free-throw line, including 12-of-17 in the extra period when Lamar was forced to foul. The Lady Cards were 5-of-6 from the line for the game.

Micah Rice led Central A4kansas with 18 points. Guiden finished with 15 points, Destinee Rogers added 13 points. Megan Herbert, the conference's player of the year, was limited to three points and four rebounds.

"We did a good job on Megan," Tidwell said. "But they had some other players really step up."

Lamar will likely learn of its postseason future Monday evening when the WNIT and WBI announce their selections following the announcement of the 64-team NCAA Tournament field.

"With 25 wins, I feel good about our chances of going to the postseason," Tidwell said.

LAMAR