Feb. 8, 2006

Final Stats

COMMERCE, Texas - The A&M-Commerce women jumped ahead early of Central Oklahoma Wednesday night and used a stellar performance from the line in the second period to claim their 10th consecutive win in the Field House this season 83-70.

Kanani Marshal posted her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 10 rebounds in addition to six assists and four steals--all game highs.

The Lions, who advanced two spots to eighth in the South Central Region earlier in the day, moved to 13-9 overall and 5-2 in the Lone Star Conference North Division with the win.

The Bronchos dropped to 6-17 on the season and 3-5 in the North after falling behind by 21 points late in the first half. UCO would only get within single digits for one possession the rest of the way.

Meghan Craig drained a 3-pointer with 11:36 to play to cut A&M-Commerce's lead to 60-52.

After drawing a foul, Althea Byfield gave the Lions a 10-point cushion with a pair of free throws. Tradawn Short would do the same, giving the Lions a 64-52 edge with 10 minutes to play. It was part of a 10-0 run for the Lions capped by a layup from Katedria Mosley.

The Bronchos threatened late again, but the Lions were near perfect from the line in the final 11:26 on 19-of-22 shooting to secure the win. They were 24-of-32 for the night as UCO hit 7-of-10.

Four Lions including Marshal scored in double figures. Mosley was 10-of-11 from the line for 16 points along with eight boards and three blocks. Rashida Wilson added 13 points, while Dawn Montgomery tied a season high with 12 points.

Craig opened the game with a three to put the Bronchos up, and after quick buckets from Portia Mitchell and Wilson the Lions claimed a 4-3 lead. Jennifer Bullis scored from behind the arc to put the Bronchos on top again. But Dawn Montgomery responded with a three of her own to give the Lions the lead for good with four minutes gone in the first half, which ended with the Lions up 49-30 on 56.3 percent shooting.

The Lions later in the opening half posted a 13-1 run on threes from Montgomery, Wilson and Marshal--who added her 70th basket from behind the arc this season on 4-of-8 deep.

Jennifer McCord got into the act with a pair of long threes for another Lion run. This time A&M-Commerce led 43-22 on a Marshal 3-pointer with 3:42 in the half.

The Lions held a 23-7 advantage from points off turnovers.

Lindsey Wilson recorded 18 points for the Bronchos, and Craig added 15 in the loss.

The Lions, who retain a share of the lead in the LSC North standings with the win, will travel to Northeastern State (Okla.) for a 2 p.m. tip-off on Saturday.

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Head coach Denny Downing quotes on the game

On the first half ... "We played well enough to give us a good lead at the half."

On winning 10 straight at home ... "Our players really enjoy all the support they get from the fans, and it showed."

On the second half ... "We played a solid second half, and that's why we held on to win."