Box Score (html)
WEATHERFORD, Okla. – An early lead for the Lady Bulldogs turned into an eight-point deficit in the final minutes before a furious rally from SWOSU came up just short in an 87-85 defeat against Arkansas-Monticello on Thursday evening at the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.
After building an 11-point lead late in the first quarter, SWOSU took a 29-20 lead to the second period, which UAM opened on a 9-0 lead to tie the game.
Hailey Tucker and
Hayden Priddy combined for 25 points and SWOSU shot 33.3% in the first half, but they still trailed the Blossoms 41-39 at intermission.
UAM came out of the break strongly and took a 70-60 lead late in the third quarter which concluded with the Blossoms leading 70-62. SWOSU battled throughout the fourth quarter, but still found themselves trailing 82-74 with 2:28 to play.
Hailey Tucker got two free throws to get SWOSU within four and a two baskets from
Janae Coffee got SWOSU within four, 86-84, with 10 seconds to play.
SWOSU fouled on the ensuing UAM possession, but the Blossoms made just one free throw to give the Lady Dawgs life.
Jennifer Williams hit a three with two seconds remaining but once UAM got the ball inbounds on the next play they were able to run out the victory for the 87-75 victory.
The defeat spoiled a career-best outing from SWOSU freshman
Hailey Tucker, who totaled 31 points on 10-for-22 shooting, knocking down four three-pointers to lead the Lady Dawgs.
Hayden Priddy, making her first career start, scored 17 points and had four assists while
Janae Coffee had another double-double with 11 points and 18 rebounds and
Jennifer Williams scored 10 points.
""Our defense just wasn't as active as it needed to be tonight," SWOSU Head Coach
Kelsi Musick said following the contest. "It's going to be tough playing without our starting point guard, but we have to rally and find some leadership and establish an identity immediately. It starts on the defensive end, we need to be able to get more stops and quit turning the ball over."
SWOSU (12-8, 8-6 GAC) returns to action on Saturday afternoon against Southern Arkansas, tipoff is at noon from the Pioneer Cellular Event Center.
