WIN STREAK

The Southern University’s women’s basketball team extended their winning streak to 11 straight wins, by defeating the Lady Bulldogs of Alabama A&M 90-48 Saturday, December 19, before prevailing over the Alabama State 74-61, Monday, December 21. Both games were held in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
In both games, Jacklyn Winfield, the 5’8 guard from Wesson, Miss. and Cherise Sims, a forward from Shreveport, were the high scorers. Against the Lady Bulldogs Winfield produced 31 points, nine assists and five steals. Sims came off the bench to garner a season-best if 17 points and four steals.
“Jackie is an All-American…There is no-one better than her when she is on her game,” said Southern University head coach Sandy Pugh. “…Cherise got our juices flowing. To see her come off the bench and play with that energy on defense, that was big. And she was a dagger with her 3s – every time they wanted to make a run.”
Standing out for AA&M (4-10, 2-5 SWAC) were Davida Webster with 10 points and three assists and Tiffani Paige with six points and nine rebounds.
“We got the hell beat out of us,” said Alabama A&M head coach Press Parham of his team’s performance Saturday night. “They (SU) have a good team, but they aren’t 50 points better than us…We have too many players on this team who are just along for the ride…But that is about to stop.”
Southern forced 25 turnovers, including 14 steals, and held A&M to 30.2-percent shooting, including 23.1 percent in the second half.
“Our defensive effort made the difference” Pugh said. “We got some good traps, got into passing lanes and put a lot of pressure on their offense.”
Southern with their 14-3 record are currently in the midst of their best season to date, set the school record with a 11th straight victory, with their Monday night win over the Lady Hornets of Alabama State.
“We knew this was an important game, we knew we would have to step up our game in order to win,” said Pugh.
Although the Lady Hornets (9-7, 4-4 SWAC) tried to stymie the efforts of Winfield by, she was still managed to put up 23 points, six assists and eight rebounds.
While ASU were busy double teaming Winfield, they left many wide-open opportunities for Sims who went 5-6 from three-point land for 17 points and three rebounds.
“Someone had to step up. ASU seemed to forget that we have players who are able to score,” said Sims. “As long as my coach and team are behind me, I can do what I am supposed to do on the court…All of our extra work has been paying off…Coach has me out their taking three or four hundreds shots after practice.”
The Lady Hornet defense used four different guards in order to waylay the poweress of Winfield.
“They tried to use their height against me…But more than just “31” can shoot on this team,” said Winfield.
The Jaguars played Monday night’s game without starting guard Angela Bullock. The 5’10 native of Pickens, Miss. was out because of an injury to the ankle acquired in Saturday’s game.
“With Angie out, we knew everyone would have to step up their game,” said Pugh.
Southern’s bench produced 19 points against the Lady Hornets.
“Beating Alabama State just widened the gap between us and the rest of the SWAC,” said. “But, know that we still have to go out and play hard for the remainder of the season, so we can stay at the top.”
The Jaguar women, will be in action again at the F.G. Clark Activity Center Saturday, December 26 against the Lady Braves of Alcorn State University at 5:30 p.m.