SUMMIT, Miss. – LSU Eunice continued a grueling road stretch, splitting a pair of games at the Southwest Mississippi CC Coca-Cola Classic to begin the week. The Bengals (8-2) played six games in a total of seven games, all on the road.
LSUE fell in the Magnolia State opener to Copiah-Lincoln CC 68-55, before rebounding for a dramatic 88-79 overtime decision against the host Southwest Mississippi CC. The Bengals were led over the two days by
Jamiya Woodard (Tulsa, OK, Union HS), who poured in 26 total points in the pair of contests.
The Bengals return home this weekend to host the Eunice Classic against Coastal Bend College and McLennan CC.
Nov. 17 vs. Copiah-Lincoln CC – L, 55-68
LSU Eunice opened the tournament with a 68–55 setback to Copiah-Lincoln. The Bengals battled through a cold shooting night, finishing 28.8 percent from the field and 23.1 percent from three. Despite the offensive struggles, LSUE kept the game within reach by winning stretches of the second and third quarters.
Reesie Jinks (Grant, LA, Fairview HS) led the Bengals with 14 points, seven rebounds and four steals, while Jamiya Woodard added 11 points and strong defensive effort.
Kamiera McDonald (Baton Rouge, LA, Scotlandville HS) chipped in eight points as LSUE worked to stay within striking distance, but Copiah-Lincoln maintained control late to secure the win.
Nov. 18 vs. Southwest Mississippi CC – W, 88-79 (OT)
The Bengals rebounded with an impressive 88–79 overtime victory against tournament host Southwest Mississippi. LSU Eunice held narrow leads throughout regulation before outscoring the Bears 14–5 in the extra period to seal the win.
Saidastiny Stewart (Baton Rouge, LA, Dulles HS (TX)) fueled the offense with a game-high 20 points, while Woodard and McDonald each scored 15 to anchor a balanced attack.
Paulina Reichenauer (Waiblingen, Germany, Salier Gymnasium) added 12 points and seven assists off the bench, giving the Bengals a critical lift. LSUE shot 46.1 percent from the field and 35 percent from long distance in the win, a sharp improvement from the previous night.
LSUE saw a double-digit lead slip in the fourth quarter with the Bears knotting it up late and forcing overtime.