Lady Jags Sting ASU in a Tale of Two Halfs

Riding high on a four-game winning streak, especially after knocking off Mississippi Valley 70-54 Monday in Ita Bena, Mississippi, the top ranked Lady Jags returned to Baton Rouge last Saturday to compete in SWAC play against the Alabama State Lady Hornets.
Going into Saturday’s conference competition, the Lady Jags were the favorite to win based on their demoralizing defense that averages over 20 turnovers a game. Senior forward Brianna Green led the team in virtually every aspect of Saturday’s game. The return of Junior post player Sarai Blisset also boosted the Lady Jags’ confidence throughout the game.
The Lady Jags had their way against Alabama State on defense midway through the first half with 3 steals, compliments of Green. Even with the turnovers, the 5-7 Lady Hornets were productive on offense at first, shooting over 70 percent from the field. With phenomenal ball movement, the Lady Jags produced just as well on offense going 60 percent from the field and adding a pair of three pointers. The Lady Jags’ only struggle was their free throw percentage (50%).
Late in the first half, both teams seemed to be identical with Southern 10-29 (34.5 percent) in field goals, with majority of points coming from the bench. Alabama State was 11-28 (39.3 percent) with 12 bench points. On defense, both teams were again evenly matched. Southern had 18 defensive rebounds, 5 steals and 13 turnovers. The Hornets had 15 defensive rebounds, 4 steals, and 12 turnovers. At the end of the half, the Lady Jags trailed the Lady Hornets of Alabama State 25-27.
After halftime, the Lady Jags slowed down offensively, going only 7-17 (41.2 percent), 1-6(16.7 percent) from the three point line. Midway through the second half, the score was tied at 47.
A clutch 7-8 (87.5 percent) from the free throw line helped the Lady Jags secure the win.
Alabama State was 10-18 (55.6 percent) and went 0-1 in three pointers as well as the free throw line during the second half.
At the end of regulation Southern was 23-56 in field goals (41.1 percent), 6-17 (29.4 percent) behind the three point line, and 15-24 (62.5 percent) in free throws. The Lady Jags finished the game off with 47 total rebounds, 15 on offense and 32 on defense. Lady Jags’ sealed a victory with the Final score of 66-58.
Green finished out the night with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals, just one rebound away from a double-double. “Down the stretch it was just us being patient and staying calm and playing our game of basketball,” Green explained when asked about staying in tune after a sloppy first half. She then went on to say that, “Coach always gets on us for playing down to the level of our competition. She expects a lot more from us and that was our main priority in the second half, just stay focus, boxing out, making shots, and getting rebounds. We did ok, it wasn’t great but we get better every game.”
When Head Coach Sandy Pugh was asked why the game was so close until the closing seconds of competition her response was that, “We kind of changed our whole philosophy up and stick to strictly guard play and thought that was more effective for us. Then we were able to get some stops on defense, make some baskets, and finally make some free throws.”
When asked about Briana Green’s performance, Coach Pugh then went on to say, “She had it on her mind tonight. After the game, I told her that she stepped her game up, but [Assistant Coach Jeremy Ponin] was in her ear the whole time telling her to be that one. He helped keep her motivated and focused even when she got a little tired down the stretch. All in all I thought the kids fought and showed a lot of character and determination.”
After Saturday’s victory, Southern’s Women’s Basketball should feel confident in the SWAC knowing even through injury and adversity, they were still able to pull out a win. The Lady Jags’ have improved their record to 7-9 (6-1 SWAC).