January 30, 2010
Jefferson City, Mo. – Jeremy Fonteneaux scored a season-high 20 points and helped the St. Mary’s University men’s basketball team hold Lincoln University to just 18 second half points as the Rattlers defeated the Blue Tigers, 73-45, in men’s basketball action Saturday afternoon at Jason Gym. For the women’s team, the Rattlers shot just 33.3 percent from the field to fall for the first time in nine games, 71-56.
After a tight first half, which ended with the Rattlers leading 32-27, St. Mary’s rapidly pulled away in the second half. The Rattlers increased their lead to as much as 30 points in the second period, holding Lincoln to just five second half field goals and 18 points. Meanwhile, the Rattlers shot 50.0 percent (15-30) from the field in the second half.
Fonteneaux (So., DeSoto, Texas) reached 20 points scoring for the first time, hitting on 10-of-13 shots from the field. He also pulled down 7 rebounds and had 2 blocks. Kevin Kotzur (Fr., La Vernia) was the only other Rattler to score in double figures in the game, scoring 14 points, while pulling down 8 rebounds.
With the win, the Rattlers improved to 11-9 overall and 6-4 in Heartland Conference play. Lincoln fell to 3-16, 1-9. St. Mary’s will return to action on Thursday, Feb. 4, when they host the University of Texas of the Permian Basin at 8 p.m. in the second game of a men’s/women’s doubleheader at Bill Greehey Arena.
For the women, after a strong start to the game, the Rattlers fell behind by double digits midway through the first half. The Rattlers made just 11-of-33 shots in the second half, while the Blue Tigers were red-hot, hitting on 10-of-20 shots from the field and 17-of-23 from the free throw line.
Individually, Kristin Williams (Jr., Kansas City) scored 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds to lead the Rattlers in both categories. DeAnna Patterson (So., Converse) scored 13 points, including 3 3-pointers.
With the loss, the Rattlers saw their eight-game win streak come to an end. St. Mary’s is 15-6 overall, 7-2 in Heartland Conference play and are now one game behind the University of the Incarnate Word in the league standings. Lincoln improved to 8-10, 3-6. The Rattlers will be back on the court on Thursday, Feb. 4, against the University of Texas of the Permian Basin at 5:30 p.m. in Bill Greehey Arena.