LSU Eunice wins Blue & Gold Classic
Defeat Highland CC 80-76
Steven Bari
In a game that was eerily similar to a previous contest against Butler a few weeks ago, the result was much different.
Despite the strong comeback bid, the Lady Bengals came out on top of the Highland CC Scotties in the championship game of the Highland Blue & Gold Tournament 80-76.
The Lady Bengals slowly executed a fast offense by starting out with some quick points in the paint from
Jennifer Hicks and
Sierra Goldwire. The Scotties kept things close as Katie Henry-De Leon and Jordan Ewigman connected on back to back three point baskets. The Bengals responded with three’s of their own from
Amanda Fontenot and
Twanisha Tillman. LSUE took the halftime lead 40-29.
The second half was reminiscent of the game against Butler CC at the start of the season. Highland made every possession count, scoring on multiple possessions both inside and outside the three point line.
What was at one point a 20 point lead for the Bengals, was trimmed to two with just 30 seconds to play. A play was run for Ewigman to shoot a three, but she was unable to connect with pressure coming from Goldwire. Some tack-on free throws cemented the score at 80-76.
Goldwire recorded seven blocks in the game, one shy of the school and national record for blocks in a game. The team matched the school record for team blocks in a game, which was set earlier this season versus Andrew College, with 14.
Jennifer Hicks led the Bengals in scoring with 18 points, and added 7 rebounds. Also in double digits was Amanda Fontenot with 13,
Erica Noel with 12, and
Ashley Qualls and Twanisha Tillman with 10 points a piece.
Tanna Prenger led the Scotties in scoring with 23 points.
After the game, Sierra Goldwire, Jennifer Hicks, and Erica Noel were named to the All-Tournament team
The Lady Bengals committed the fewest turnovers of the season, losing possession just eight times.
LSU Eunice will finish this road trip on Monday when they take on the Cottey College at 7 pm.
