JACKSONVILLE, Texas – Alona Washington (Gonzales, LA, Ascension Christian HS) poured in a game-high 28 points to help LSU Eunice women's basketball secure a 65-54 win at Jacksonville College to cap off of the opening night of the Jaguar Classic. 
 
The Bengals rallied from a 12-point second quarter deficit with a 12-0 run to tie it up, paced by six points by Tahjea Smith (Texas City, TX, Texas City HS).  The freshman's effort help make it 24-24 going into the locker rooms.  Smith would net a double-double on the night with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
 
Washington would take over after intermission, bucketing 23 of her 28 points including four three-pointers.  The sophomore added four assists, six rebounds and three steals.
 
Despite Washington's standout second half, LSUE found itself trailing 43-40 heading into the final frame.  The Bengals would outscore JC 25-11 in that final frame, giving themselves a comfortable double-digit lead with less than two minutes to play.  LSUE's stingy defense held Jacksonville to just 18-for-66 shooting (27 percent) from the field.
 
Chelsey White (Port Allen, LA, Port Allen HS) chipped in eight points and eight rebounds in the victory and helped LSUE win the battle around the rim, outrebounded the Jaguars, 39-37.
 
LSUE will close out the Jaguars Classic with a Saturday matinee against 16th ranked Blinn College at 2:30PM.