March 6, 2008

Box Score

HAMMOND-- McNeese State's women's basketball team moved one step closer to clinching a Southland Conference tournament spot here Thursday night with a 67-60 victory over Southeastern La. An outstanding defensive effort by the Cowgirls and free throw shooting down the stretch were major factors in the victory. McNeese was in the lead 54-48 with 1:43 left in the game, scored their final 12 points from the free throw line.

"I am very proud of our fight and sheer determination to win. We did a wonderful job executing our defensive game plan and we stepped up and made some big shots and free throws," said head coach Brooks Donald Williams.

McNeese ended the game 16 of 20 from the free throw line and 11 of 22 from three-point range.

Shaunte' Perry led the Cowgirls with 17 points with nine coming from three-pointers. Brittany Boone and Courtnee' Hollins added 13 apiece.

McNeese State took the early lead in the game and held as much as a nine point lead 22-13 with 5:41 left in the half. Southeastern went on a 5-2 run in the remaining five minutes of the half to cut the Cowgirl lead to 24-19 for the halftime score. Shante' Perry scored nine first half points and Brittany Boone scored six on two long range three-pointers. McNeese shot 50 percent from behind the arc in the first half, making 4 of 8.

Senior guard Lenissa Lopez scored nine points, was 5 of six from the free throw line but more importantly did not commit a turnover and dished out three assists.

McNeese improved to 9-20 overall and 7-8 in Southland Conference play. Southeastern La. Fell to 12-16 overall and 6-9 in league play.