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March 10, 2007

Box Score

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. - Sophomore All-America candidate Emily Brister tallied a game-high 24 points as she and her Lady Buff teammates gave a hard-fought effort that fell short on Saturday night, as the No. 10 West Texas A&M women's basketball team dropped a 54-39 decision to Washburn in the semifinals of the NCAA-II South Central Regional Tournament.

Despite the loss, the Lady Buffs can look back with pride on the season, which saw them compile a 28-5 record under first-year head coach Krista Gerlich and claim the LSC South Division crown with an unblemished 14-0 league mark. Along the way WTAMU players and coaches where highly decorated with many awards, most notably Gerlich, LSC South Coach of the Year, and Brister, LSC South and Daktronics South Central Regional Player of the Year accolades as well as LSC Academic Player of the Year.

In the game's opening moments, the two squads needed a few trips down the court to settle down and get their offenses in sync, as both teams misfired on their shots. Washburn found its offense first as it was able to build a 5-0 lead on back-to-back scoring possessions before Brister was able to net the first Lady Buff points of the evening on a three-pointer from the corner at the 16:35 mark.

Both teams were able to enjoy a measure of success during the first period, but the dust settled with Washburn holding a 24-17 advantage at halftime. Brister was the primary force for the Lady Buffs on the offensive end, leading all scorers at the break with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the floor and a perfect 3-of-3 mark from the free throw line.

Washburn came out after the intermission with a spurt, using a 10-2 run to open its biggest lead of the ball game at that point, 34-19, but the Lady Buffs would counter with an 8-0 run of their own to close the gap to 34-27.

Senior point guard Jennifer Brock made her return to the court playing 25 minutes after missing the previous three games with a knee injury. Against the Lady Blues, Brock participated in her final game as a Lady Buff along with classmates Kara Pridey, Alicia Saunders and Natalie Wheeler. The group will be remembered for helping to build and maintain the already impressive history and tradition of Lady Buff Basketball.

WTAMU women's hoops will return six letterwinners, including All-LSC South performers Brister and Lee, from this season's team who will help lead the Lady Buffs in search of a third consecutive LSC South title and NCAA-II appearance in 2007-08.