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January
9, 2007
HOLLY SPRINGS -- Freshman
Marianne Smith knocked down a pair of key free throws and picked
up a clutch steal and a layup in the final minute to help Millsaps
snap an 8-game losing streak and hold off a late Rust push, 70-67.
Millsaps (2-9, 0-3 SCAC) battled back from a 35-32 halftime deficit
and built its lead to as many as 17 points thanks in
part to a season-high 59 percent shooting in the second half
and four Majors in double figures.
"Marianne
hit a few 3-pointers and our fast break and transition game helped
us out a lot," first-year head coach Mary
Bolton said.
The Lady Bearcats,
however clawed back into the game after being down by as many
as 17 points midway through the second half and had a chance
to tie the game late.
"We got
out of our game plan and started throwing up the first shot without
any rebounders," Bolton said. "They were
able to cash in on the other end and Helen Wright scored at least
20 of her 27 in the second half, hitting shot after shot even
if
they
were
off balance."
Wright was
obviously the key ingredient in the Lady Bearcats offensive scheme,
playing all 40 minutes and scoring a game-high 27 points on 9-of-24
shooting. She also chipped in a
game-high six assists
and three steals.
Katrina Overby
(16) and DeAnna Allen (11) were the other Rust players in double
figures, while Latoya Brown added a team-high 12 boards and Monique
Seals chipped in with 10.
LaReina Adams
continues to have a strong sophomore campaign for Millsaps,
pouring in a conference-best seventh double-double of the year
with 15
points and 15 rebounds,
while Smith chipped in a season and career-high 19 points,
Crystal Dickerson added 13 and Leslie Frese had 10.
"The ladies
have played tough, tremendous basketball the previous four games
but we just couldn't pull out a win," Bolton said. "I was really
proud of the
basketball played by our team last night and it shows that
if you keep working hard and be patient, the wins will come.
I'm
grateful
for the
win
for
the
ladies and
to get it right before conference play is a huge moral booster."
Millsaps
will open up its 3-game homestand Wednesday, Jan. 10, playing
host to the University of Dallas at 5 p.m. The Lady Crusaders
defeated the Majors 62-56 on Nov. 21 in Dallas. Listen live on
ESPN Radio 1240AM or online at www.espnradio1240.com.
The Majors
will then host conference opponents Oglethorpe University on
Jan. 12 and Sewanee-University of the South on Jan. 14. Friday's
game tips off at 6 p.m. with Sunday's game slated for a 3 p.m.
start.
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