Islanders Come Back for 99-79 Victory Over Sam Houston State
By Brandon C. Williams
Southland.org
KATY, Texas - After watching his team allow 47 first half points to Sam Houston State, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi coach Robert Robinson gave his team - especially the seniors on the roster - one simple point to ponder: play better defense or prepare to play the last 20 minutes of the season.
The Lady Islanders received the message loud and clear.
An inspired defensive effort -- and a dominating effort on the glass -- led A&M-Corpus Christi to a 99-79 win over the Bearkats in the opening round of the Southland Conference women's tournament on Tuesday afternoon, setting the third-seeded Lady Islanders on course for a Thursday afternoon date against seventh-seed Northwestern State at Merrell Center.
"We just needed a push," said Lady Islanders forward Deziree Green, who had 16 points and recorded 11 of A&M-Corpus Christi's (21-9) 57 rebounds. "We weren't ready in the first half. Coach gave us the push and we just played better defense."
Making their first appearance in the tournament since 2004, Sam Houston State (11-18) pushed the tempo against the Lady Islanders, shooting five of eight from 3-point range en route to a stellar 53 percent mark from the field.
The Bearkats, who led 47-40 at intermission, extended the lead to nine when Bre Agnew scored just 21 seconds into the second half, but it would prove to be the high water mark for Sam Houston State, which shot just 38 percent from the field in the final 19:39 of play.
"We emphasized defense," said forward Elisa Beagle, who had 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for A&M-Corpus Christi.
The Lady Islanders methodically worked their way back into the contest, as their combination of size and free throw shooting (27 of 33) helped them move within striking distance. A&M-Corpus Christi took the lead for good when Jade Davis buried a trey to give them a 54-53 advantage with 14:51 left.
A 3-pointer from Chanice Smith drew the Bearkats to 59-57 with 13:26 remaining, but the Lady Isles outscored them 23-11 to take an 82-71 advantage at the 5:08 mark.
The offensive spurt was keyed by A&M-Corpus Christi's ability to hold Sam Houston State to a series of one-shot possessions. A sea of white jerseys constantly appeared in the paint, as five Lady Islanders had at least eight rebounds.
"To have the rebounding margin we had is very amazing in a tournament game," said Robinson.
The Lady Islanders shot 64 percent in the second half (21 of 33). Davis led A&M-Corpus Christi with 18 points, while Adrienne Scott added 17, Anitria Jeffery scored 13, while Shaye Montgomery added 12.
The loss was a bittersweet ending for a Sam Houston State team that evolved into a postseason team under coach Brenda Welch-Nichols, who was grateful of the impact her departing seniors left on the program.
"They've paved the way for the future," said Nichols. "They never gave up and kept battling the entire time they've been here. That's the reason why we're here today."
Ray Alexander and Brittany Brooks - each in their final game - led the Bearkats with 14 points. Whitney Smith scored 12, while Agnew had 10 points and 12 rebounds.
"We fought hard, but coach Nichols made it worth it," said Alexander. "I'll always be proud of my time here and will always be proud to be Sam Houston State graduate."