The LadyJackets (3-9) used a stifling defense to force 25 turnovers that led to 22 points. The Engineers (3-9) jumped out to an early lead, but after LeTourneau freshman Stephanie Bush’s jumper with 6:10 left in the first half the Jackets never trailed again. LETU took a 32-25 lead into halftime.
In the second half, the Jackets appeared on the verge of blowing out MIT a number of times, but kept hanging around. Finally, the Jackets closed the game on a 15-4 run over the final five minutes to close out the game and snap their nine game losing streak.
LeTourneau played well in most facets of the game shooting 50 percent from two-point range, knocking down 75 percent of their free throws, committing fewer than 10 turnovers and picking up 14 offensive rebounds, but they struggled from three-point range making just four of 29 attempts. Despite the poor outside shooting, the defense stepped up their play with 19 steals and numerous tips of passed balls.
Baskin and fellow freshman Garland James led the offense as James also scored a career high with 18 points, five rebounds and three steals. Playing her best game of the season, Bush added eight points, seven boards, three steals and two blocks.
MIT had two players post a double-double and a third just missed the mark. Sharon Prange led the team with 18 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and three assists. Ciara Yuan added 15 points and 10 boards. Christa Margossian posted an 8-point, 11-rebound game and Kim Soo Hoo contributed 10 points.
Baskin and Prange were both named to the all-tournament team and Baskin’s 26 points were a tournament high.
The LadyJackets travel to American Southwest Conference rival Texas Lutheran University on January 4 at 5:30. The game will be available to watch via archived web cast at www.summitticket.com and live audio at www.audiosportsonline.net.
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