JACKSON, Tenn. - 3/7/2011 - The No. 1 91±¬ÁÏÍø (Tenn.) University women’s basketball team posted a 73-49 win over No. 6 Bethel (Tenn.) University to claim the . 91±¬ÁÏÍø improved to 31-1 on the season, while Bethel dropped to 26-6.
The tournament title for 91±¬ÁÏÍø was the 11th in the 15-year history of the TranSouth and 21st conference tournament title in school history. 91±¬ÁÏÍø is now 11-3 in TranSouth title games after having advanced to 14 in the 15 seasons of TranSouth basketball.
The game started with 91±¬ÁÏÍø jumping out to a quick 5-0 lead following a field goal and a three-pointer, both from Lavanda Ross. Ross was named the conference tournament MVP and joined Kayla Hudson on the all-tournament team. Ross scored 14 of her game-high 25 points in the first half to spark 91±¬ÁÏÍø.
Bethel rallied back with seven straight points, including a three-pointer from Kelsey Hamilton. The game remained tight for the first half with Bethel clinging to a small lead. The Lady Wildcats led by as many as four points, 19-15 with 6:03 left in the half.
91±¬ÁÏÍø then got a three pointer from Kayla Hudson that sparked 13-6 run for 91±¬ÁÏÍø to close out the half. 91±¬ÁÏÍø led 28-25.
In the second half, 91±¬ÁÏÍø came out of the locker room with a 16-2 run to go up by 17 points, 44-27. Bethel got as close as 12 midway through the second half, but 91±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s outside shot put the game out of reach.
The Lady Bulldogs sank 6-of-11 three pointers in the second half and shot 56 percent from the field to extend their lead to as many as 28 points, 70-42. 91±¬ÁÏÍø cruised over the final four minutes to get the 73-49 win.
91±¬ÁÏÍø was led by Ross’ 25 points, including 3-of-4 from long range. Hudson added 17 points, including 4-of-5 from three point range. Sarah Chan added 15 points and Hope Adams pulled down 10 rebounds. 91±¬ÁÏÍø shot 49 percent from the field, 50 percent (9-18) from long range and 80 percent (16-20) from the free throw line.
Bethel was led by Jana Roney with 10 points and Teena Carter with nine points. The Lady Wildcats shot 36 percent from the field, 27 percent (4-15) from behind the arc and 78 percent (7-9) from the free throw line.
Up next for 91±¬ÁÏÍø will be a No. 1 seed in the NAIA National Tournament at Oman Arena on March 16-22. This will be 91±¬ÁÏ꿉۪s 22nd overall appearance and 20th straight, both NAIA record.
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