Despite shooting a poor 16 percent from the field in the first half, LeTourneau only trailed 30-19 at the half, thanks to their swarming defense. Although called upon to guard six-foot-three-inch Christian Tomlinson, senior Kim Mahone responded nicely, totaling seven points, six rebounds, one block and six steals. All through the contest, the LadyJackets stuck to the basics of blocking out and defense and came away with 41 rebounds and 12 steals as a team.
The LadyJackets appeared to be down for the count when the Crusaders went up by 16 with 13:28 to play in the second half, but LeTourneau got their offense rolling and erased the deficit to make it a 57-56 ballgame with only 3:37 left. However, four unanswered baskets, along with five consecutive free throws put UMHB back on top and sealed their 73-61 victory. After their poor shooting first half, the Jackets shot 46.9 percent from the floor in the second half.
For the LadyJackets, freshman Kristen Baskin, senior Katrina Visina and freshman Garland James turned in fine performances as all three were in double figures in the scoring department. Baskin was 3-of-5 from three point range and finished with 14 points and three steals, Visina dropped 10 points and drained 4-of-6 from the charity stripe, while James made the most of her 19 minutes of playing time with 13 points and six rebounds.
Shannon Barnes was the difference in the game for the Crusaders as she poured in 17 points and grabbed a game high 12 rebounds. Blair Heitmiller connected on three three-pointers and finished with 16 points. UMHB finished the game shooting 47.5 percent from the field and just 45.8 percent from the foul line.
LeTourneau is in action December 29 in South Padre Island against Denison University at 9 o’clock. The game will be available to watch via archived web cast at www.summitticket.com.
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