December 17, 2012
DURANT, Okla. – The St. Mary’s women’s basketball team’s rotation of four guards in the starting lineup against Southeastern Oklahoma State proved to be hard to contend with, as the Lady Rattlers nearly hit the century mark in a blowout win.
Three of the four starting guards banked double-digits in the 94-77 win Monday night, with Jackie Woods (Jr., San Antonio) leading with 19 followed by Lia Kioa’s (Jr., Phoenix) 17.
The Rattlers’ (8-2) guard-heavy stance was possible largely due to the efforts of Felicia Jacobs (Sr., San Antonio), who brought in her third double-double of the season with 15 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, including eight defensively.
The 94-77 triumph over the Savage Storm (2-7) put the Lady Rattlers on a five-game winning streak, which only adds to their already impressive season and gives further confidence heading into the upcoming Heartland Conference play in January.
The Rattlers have gotten accustomed to gaining and maintaining a lead this season, with Monday night in Durant, Okla., being no different. Southeastern Oklahoma State led just once three minutes into the game before the Savage Storm felt the full-effect of the Rattlers, who gained the largest lead of the night of 31 in the second half. The Rattlers led 52-35 at the half, and although the Savage Storm matched the Rattlers’ scoring in the second with 42 points apiece, St. Mary’s had already done enough damage to come away with a 17-point victory.
The near century-mark game was complimented by St. Mary’s hitting above 50 percent in every shooting category. Along with leading in scoring, Woods was dominant on defense as she came away half of the Rattlers’ total steals with seven. Morgan Pullins (So., Franklin, Mich.), who has become the Rattlers’ force off the bench, added 14 points along with seven rebounds. Reserve point guard Dezirae Elias (Fr., Chandler, Ariz.) hit two 3-pointers for nine points along with four assists, while starting point Liz Boyd (Sr., San Antonio) also added four assists and seven points.
St. Mary’s will continue on the road for its next matchup against East Central University Wednesday in Ada, Okla. at 4 p.m.