JONESBORO, Ark. - Quinishia McDowell scored five consecutive points
early in the second half to start a 9-0 run that put Arkansas State ahead for good in a
67-52 victory over the University of New Orleans on Wednesday night at
the Convocation Center.
McDowell finished with 12 points and was one of four players in double-figures for ASU (12-16, 7-10 Sun Belt). Sherina Scott and Shania Hurst shared scoring honors for the game with 16 points apiece.
The Red Wolves shooting made the difference, particularly in the second half as the hosts shot 42.9 percent after halftime compared to 23.1 percent for UNO (10-18, 4-13 SBC)
Rachele Monroe scored a career-high 13 points for the Lady Privateers as the senior guard from Clutier, Iowa made 4 of 6 three-point attempts in the first 11 minutes of the contest to give the visitors a boost early.
Mirjam Sipos also notched a career-high, scoring 10 points and became the 12th and final member of the active roster to top double-figures on the season.
Talisha Bridges rounded out the double-digit scorers for head coach
Amy Champion with 10 points.
McDowell responded quickly to UNO's 39-38 lead early in the second half by scoring five straight points to jump-start a 9-0 run by the Red Wolves that saw the hosts moved ahead 47-39.
A pair of free throws by Bridges ended the run, but it was ASU who continued to push the advantage back to eight points, aided by a 4 of 20 start from the field for the Lady Privateers in the second half.
UNO would cut the lead to four at 56-52 on a three-pointer by Sipos before the Red Wolves scored eight straight points to put the game out of reach for UNO.
ASU entered the half with a 36-35 lead, grabbing the advantage back from the Lady Privateers right before the half.
Five made baskets from beyond the arc during the first 20 minutes, including four from Monroe, were the reason for UNO claiming the early advantage on the scoreboard. The Lady Privateers had trailed 17-16, before going on a 7-0 run that allowed the visitors to take a spot in the driver's seat.
UNO will close the 2009-10 regular season on the road Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against UALR. The game is the first half of a doubleheader with the men's basketball team, with both contests available on UNO Vision and WGSO 990 AM.
