Lady Bengals Drop San Jac in Round Two
Steven Bari
Jennifer Hicks has struggled from the field so far this season, but in today’s 97-79 victory over San Jacinto, all seemed right with her shot. Hicks was 5-10 from three point range, and hit 13 of 15 from the foul line to finish with a season high 32 points.
Her performance wasn’t the only thing that turned for the Lady Bengals. LSU Eunice started each of their first four games with 10+ point halftime leads. That streak was broken when the Lady Gators went into the intermission with a three point advantage, 42-39. LSU Eunice also had never outscored their opponent in the second half in any of their first four games. The Lady Bengals put on a shooting clinic in the second half, hitting 9-17 from long range, and outscoring San Jacinto 58-37.
One of the major differences on the final stat sheet between the two teams is in the foul and free throw columns. LSUE was whistled for 22 fouls, while San Jacinto was called for 33 team fouls, including three technical fouls. The first of the three technical fouls occurred late in the first half, when the official scorer stopped the game to alert the officials that Natalya Balciunas was not entered into the scorebook. When she entered the game, the Lady Gators were assesed a technical foul, and the Lady Bengals two free throws. In the second half, San Jac Head Coach Eric Taylor was issued two consecutive technical fouls after disagreeing with a call by the officials, and he was ejected from the game.
LSU Eunice found themselves down by as much as 14 points in the first half, but was able to climb back slowly with consistent free throw shooting. After finishing with a poor 53 percent efficiency the previous game, the team rebounded with a much better 77 percent, going 37-48 from the free throw line.
Erica Noel finished with 18 points, and was perfect from the free throw line, hitting all eight of her attempts.
Amanda Fontenot finished with 10 points and four assists.
Ashley Qualls added nine points and nine rebounds as well.
LSU Eunice is now set to play Paris Junior College in the tournament consolation championship game. Tip-off is slated for 2 pm, following the completion of the tournament 7th place game.
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