Sunday, December 18, 2011

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Draining nine three pointers on the afternoon, the Lipscomb women’s basketball team finished out the first half of the season with a 76-65 non-conference win over Gardner Webb on Sunday afternoon at Nashville’s Allen Arena.

The Lady Bison (3-10) got off to an 8-1 lead to start the contest and eventually led 29-13 at the break thanks to 10 first-half points by senior guard Anna Bowers, who finished with a team-high 17 for Lipscomb including three treys.

“The second half we came out shooting the three ball really well,” said Lipscomb head coach Frank Bennett.  “That should be a strength for us. I think we’ve got some shooters but sometimes you can rely on it too much. “ 

Bowers was joined in double figures by junior wing Hannah Phillips.  The Lady Bison won the rebounding battle 46-39 in the contest behind nine boards from freshman Sasha Robinson and seven each for Phillips and senior post Brittany Duerk.  Robinson also added nine points for a career high for the rookie as part of ten different Lady Bison scoring on the afternoon.

“Sasha and Erika Thornsberry are playing the majority of the time at our five position and Sasha is really a good defensive player.  She can keep the big post players out and has done a great job. “

The Runnin’ Bulldogs were paced by sophomore center Catrina Green with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead all players.  Jasmine Dale added 10 points to finish in double figures for Gardner Webb.

Behind a 14-for-23 second-half shooting from the floor, the Lady Bison outshot the Runnin’ Bulldogs 43.1 percent to 38.6 percent.  Lipscomb lost the turnover battle 19-17 after four miscues in the final three minutes of action.

“We found a way to win and made some stops and plays,” said Bennett. “It’s good to get a victory and have one going into the break.

“We’ve played really well in halves and big parts of games but we’re just trying to get that consistency.  We open with three consecutive roads games in conference and we’ve got to find a way to win some of those and get back home. “

The Lady Bison get a break in the schedule for Christmas before returning to the court on Jan. 2 on the road against Atlantic Sun foe Jacksonville.