Knights top Lady Pilots 59-55
February 05, 2005
Shreveport, LA---The LSUS Lady Pilots (8-16, 2-9) squared off against the Southern University of New Orleans Knights Saturday night at the Dock. LSUS found themselves down as many as 13 points in the second half, but battled back and led 55-54 with 0:28 remaining. SUNO capitalized on 4 free throws in the last 0:15 and pulled out a 59-55 road victory over the Lady Pilots.
In the first half, Velicity Verkalter connected on 6-8 three point attempts and finished with 20 points to lead the Knights to a 37-28 halftime lead. The Knights were 8-16 from beyond the three point line and finished shooting 48% (13-27) from the field.
Saige Cooper had 6 points at the break while teammates Amanda Castle, Dyamond Hogg, and Marcia Spyhalski all pitched in with 5 points. LSUS finished shooting 33% (8-24) from the field which included 3-8 from the three point line.
The Lady Pilots put together a 17-6 run in the second half and managed to tie the score at 49-49 after Renalda Stafford connected on two free throw attempts with 5:48 remaining.
The two teams traded buckets down the stretch and found themselves tied at 54-54 with 0:28 remaining and Castle at the free throw line for two shots. Castle made the first but missed her second attempt and was charged with an over the back foul on the ensuing rebound, sending Pamela Wilson to the line to shoot double bonus free throws. Wilson connected on both attempts to put the Knights ahead 56-55.
After an LSUS timeout, the Lady Pilots managed to get a wide open shot under the basket which rolled around the rim and was rebounded by Stacey Northern who was then immediately fouled. Northern made both free throw attempts making the score 58-55 with 0:06 remaining.
The Knights forced an LSUS turnover on the ensuing possession which sent Northern back to the line to ice it for the Knights. Northern made her first attempt to put the Knights out of reach and went on to win by a final score of 59-55.
Verkalter was the games high scorer with 23 points for the Knights. Northern finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds. SUNO finished shooting 40% (18-45) from the field which included 9-23 from beyond the three point line and were 14-19 from the free throw line.
Saige Cooper led the Lady Pilots with 16 points off the bench on 5-7 shooting. Renalda Stafford pitched in with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists, while teammate Amanda Castle had 8 points and a game high 10 rebounds.
LSUS finished shooting 35% (17-49) from the field which included 4-13 from the three point line and 17-24 from the free throw line.
The Lady Pilots will be in action again Saturday night when they will travel to Mobile, AL to take on the University of Mobile Lady Rams. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.
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