Lady Bison Basketball Start Season with Win

Nov 17, 2008

The Harding women's basketball team started the 2008-2009 season with a 75-66 win against Gulf South Conference West Division opponent West Florida in the West Florida Tip-Off Classic in Pensacola, Fla., on Saturday afternoon. The win moves the Lady Bisons to 1-0 on the season.

Both teams struggled out of the gate. West Florida jumped out to a 17-9 lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half but the Lady Bisons quickly rallied tying the game up 21 all on a layup by senior forward Ashley Anderson. The game was tied 28-28 with 2:29 remaining in the half when the Lady Bisons got a three pointer by Lindsey Root to put the Lady Bisons ahead. With 49 seconds remaining, West Florida pulled within two on Victoria Hunt jump shot. The Lady Bisons tried to extend their lead before half but took a 32-30 lead into the locker room.

After the halftime chat, the Lady Bisons would come out quickly extending their lead by seven in the first five minutes. Harding would continue to build on their momentum leading West Florida by as much as 12 points. The Argonauts slowly battled their way back into the contest on a seven point run that would close in on the Lady Bisons lead. West Florida got within one, on a couple of free throws by Tiffany Williams. Harding would take back over the game on a couple of layups to go back on top 68-63 with under three minutes remaining in the game. Harding hit their free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.

Junior forward Stacey Owens led all scoring in the game with 17 points and added 11 rebounds to pick up her first double-double on the season. Senior forward Catherine McMenamy added 12 points and sophomore guard Leah Fugett added 13 points for the Lady Bisons.

Harding shot 39 percent from the field and 71 percent from the free throw line.
West Florida had all five starters score in double figures. Amy Drake and Tiffany Williams each had 14 points for West Florida. Jessica Young picked up a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds.

The Lady Bisons will be back in action Sunday, taking on Tuskegee at Noon for the final match of the West Florida Tip-Off Classic.

Story: Harding University