LADY BEARCATS FALL IN SEASON OPENER TO NSU

November 15, 2003

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BOLIVAR, MO. ... The Southwest Baptist University Lady Bearcats (0-1) opened up the 2003-04 season with a tough loss to Northeastern State University (0-1), 69-52. After SBU took the lead, 35-33 with 16:13 left in the game, NSU went on a 10-2 run over the next seven minutes to jump out to a six-point and never looked back for the win.

Amber Wheeler led all scorers with 16 points. Gwyn Smith picked up her first double-double of the new season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Alicia Mercer added 13 points. NSU had four players in double figures with Kelli Griffith had 15 points.

After a 1-0 lead on a Smith free throw, Griffith made three-pointer for a 3-1 lead. Jenny Hancock tied the game at three with 17:27 to go. Over the next four minutes, NSU went on a 10-3 run to take their biggest first half lead, 13-6. SBU cut the lead down to two twice and took the lead by one-point, 24-23, with 2:21 left in the half. Once again, NSU responded with an eight-three run to end the half with a four-point lead, 31-27.

Wheeler immediately cut the lead to two in the begininng of the second half and then Mercer pushed SBU ahead, 33-32 with 16:53 left in the game. A NSU free throw tied the game at 33, but Wheeler gave SBU the lead again, 35-33. NSU put together another stellar run over a nine minute span to take a 10-point lead, 46-37. Four straight points by Smith put SBU within five with 6:52 to play. NSU upped their defense and added a 23-11 run to end the game, 69-52.

NSU out rebounded SBU, 49-35, and shot 77% from the free throw line. SBU only shot 46% from the free throw line and 34% from the floor.

Southwest Baptist will be back in action again on Tuesday, November 18th, as they host Ozark Christian College at 6 p.m. in the Davison Field House.