Lady Cards Improve to 4-0 in SLC Play with 75-62 Win Over UCA

[Guest abovetherim]

Brittney Williams ties season-high with 22 points to lead Lamar

Jan. 24, 2008

BEAUMONT - Playing without the Southland Conference's leading scorer Tamara Abalde for the first time this season, the Lamar University women's basketball team used a strong second half to pull away from the University of Central Arkansas for a 75-62 win at the Montagne Center on Thursday night.

Abalde missed the game due to illness, but Lamar was able to lean on sophomore forward Brittney Williams who answered the bell with a season-best 22 points, while Nikki Williams and Emily Spickler each chipped in with strong offensive performances.

The Lady Cardinals jumped out to an early double digit lead in the first half, but UCA would not be put away with out a fight. The Sugar Bears clawed their way back with a 4-7 three point shooting performance in the opening 20 minutes to tie the game at 34 at halftime.

After the break the Lady Cardinals came out with their foot on the accelerator, jumping out to a 12 point lead with 13:15 to play when Agnija Reke drained a three pointer from the corner. Lamar continued to build on their lead for the next five minutes, topping out with an 18-point lead with 8:55 to play.

As LU looked to close out the game the Sugar Bears once again showed determination and chipped back to within 10 points with 1:41 to play on a layup by Laura Beth Anderson.

The Lady Cards however would not allow UCA to get any closer then 10 points, as they closed out the game by exchanging baskets. Lamar closed out the game with three free throws, not allowing the Sugar Bears to complete the comeback.   

The Lady Cardinals improve to 11-6 overall and 4-0 in SLC play, while UCA drops to 2-16 overall and 0-5 in conference play.

Adding to Brittney Williams' game-high 22 points was Spickler who scored 15 points on 5-55 shooting from behind the three point arc. Nikki Williams also had 15 points, while grabbing a career-high nine rebounds, passing out six assists and swiping five steals. Brittany Hendrix also scored a career high seven points for LU off the bench.

Central Arkansas was led by Anderson's 13 points while Allyson Sample chipped in with 12. Kia Lee finished with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing a game-high 15 rebounds.

The Lady Cardinals will be in action again on Saturday afternoon when host to the Northwestern State at 4 p.m. at the Montagne Center.

[KFDM COOP]

8) 8)

[Guest abovetherim]

Just to clarify, Spickler scored 15 points on 5-11 shooting from behind the three point arc. The article said 5-55 which was obviously a typographical error. She has a beautiful release when shooting the ball. I think it is going in everytime she hoist a 3-pointer.

[weslinder]

Something else needs to be said.  Brittany got 22 points and she was double-teamed for much of the game, even without the ball.  She had an incredible game.

[KFDM COOP]

She's unbelievable!!