NATCHITOCHES, La. - Having clinched a share of the Southland Conference title, Lamar University's women's basketball team went to Natchitoches to make sure no one would be sharing the title with them. With an 80-64 victory over Northwestern State, LU's winning streak has reached 12 games and they sit 22-5 overall and 16-1 in conference play.
Once again, play in the post proved vital as Akasha Davis powered her way for 24 points and 11 rebounds to complete her 16th double-double on the season. Sabria Dean tallied 14 points while Jacei Denley collected 13 of her own. NJ Weems also reached double-figures with 10 points while Brooklyn Mitchell came close as she ended up with eight.
The Cardinals shot 42.6% from the field and 84.8% from the charity stripe. While NSU finished with 32 points in the paint and outscored LU 21-11 off the bench, they were held to eight points off turnovers.
The first quarter had both teams shooting over 40% with LU shooting a whopping 56.25% from the field to lead 24-17. After trading baskets early to reach an 8-8 tie, the Cardinals rushed to a 13-6 run to lead 21-14. Denley had an instant spark scoring seven points while LU converted three treys including from Mitchell and Malay McQueen.
Mitchell and Dean combined for LU's first eight points of the second quarter stretching Big Red's lead to 32-23. The Demons would have their only threat of the first half closing the gap to 33-30. But LU didn't concede anymore ground as they fended off NSU's torches for 14 of the final 20 points with six coming from Weems. LU's lead was at 47-36 as their 47 points was their second highest total in the first half this season.
The third quarter was evenly played with the Cardinals winning it 15-12. 11 of the points came from the free throw line as Big Red converted 11-of-14. LU's lead went 15 on two different occasions including at 58-43. Following the Demons four straight points, it was LU who got the margin up to 62-48 heading to the final quarter.
With six points between Davis and Dean to open the final 10 minutes, the Cardinals led 68-51. The Demons would chip the margin down to 10 (72-62) with four minutes left to go and within striking distance. Unwilling to make the Demons have any hopes of a comeback, the Cardinals buried them with an 8-2 run to close out the victory.
The Cardinals will end their regular season at home against Houston Christian on Wednesday at 5:00 PM.
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