Box Score Eunice, La. – LSU Eunice Women's Basketball turned to its defense and the timely shot to take down Meridian CC 65-60 on Tuesday at the HPRE Center. The Bengals (3-2) overcame a slow shooting night to win its only game against non-conference Region 23 competition this season.
LSUE had an uncharacteristic night from the floor, shooting 27.4 percent (17-for-62). The Bengals did enjoy some success from downtown, making more three-point baskets (9) than two-point field goals (8).
The three-point shooting was on full display early as the Bengals canned a trio of trifectas in the first quarter to take an early 13-7 advantage. The lead was short lived as Meridian swung back late in the quarter to lead 19-18. The two teams would continue to spar heading into half time, going into the locker rooms tied at 27.
Trinity Harold (Denham Springs, LA, Walker HS) scored nine of her team-high 16 points in the first to pace the Bengals.
The stalemate continued for most of the third quarter before the Bengals started their surge just before the final frame. LSUE used an 11-2 over a two-minute span, capped off by an
Abigail Lynch (New Caney, TX, New Caney HS) three point basket to start the fourth quarter, to take its largest lead of the game 49-39. Lynch scored 13 points including 4-for-10 from downtown.
Meridian would try to fight its way back, getting within one possession, but the defense was up to the task. The Bengals held Meridian to just 33.8 percent from the floor (23-for-68) including just 1-for-24 from three-point range. LSUE also forced 29 turnovers, turning that into 24 points.
Anaiya Turner (Lake Charles, LA, St. Louis Catholic HS) was one rebound shy of a double-dobule with 19 points and a team best nine rebounds.
Tahjea Smith (Texas City, TX, Texas City HS) was the other LSUE player to record a double-digit point game with 13.
LSUE returns to the home court this weekend for the LSU Eunice Classic. The Bengals host Southern Arkansas University Tech on Friday, starting at 5:30PM.
