Contact: Roger Redmon
NAIA Media Operations
(731) 265-2016
JACKSON, Tenn. – Sophomore forward Jessica Henson scored 18 of her game-high 26 points in the first half to spark 91±¬ÁÏÍø (Tenn.) University past Life (Ga.) University 76-66 Friday night and into the NAIA Division I Women’s Basketball National Tournament quarterfinals.
Third-seeded 91±¬ÁÏÍø took a 9-7 lead on a Henson three-pointer at the 16:45 mark of the first half, and never looked back to improve its record to 34-2.
91±¬ÁÏÍø connected on 15-of-26 field goal attempts (57.7 percent) in the second half and stretched its advantage out to as many as 16 points. The Lady Bulldogs hit 21-of-27 (77.8 percent) from the foul line and out-rebounded Life 39-27, led by junior forward Tashekia Brown’s seven boards. Henson was joined in double-figure scoring by freshman center Allison Harrison with 15 points and sophomore guard Christal Merriweather with 12. Merriweather also dished out six assists and collected five rebounds.
Life (22-10) placed four players in double figures, led by junior forward Amanda Thompson’s 15 points. Senior guard Takela Corbitt hit 4-of-6 three-point tries and added 14 points. Senior forward Thova Gardner contributed 12 points, and Rhonda Price scored 10 points to go with her team-high seven rebounds.
91±¬ÁÏÍø will face sixth-seeded Houston Baptist (Texas) University in the quarterfinals at 6 p.m. CST Saturday at Oman Arena.
-NAIA-