The ACU women’s basketball team beat Southeastern Louisiana University 96-82 on Monday. The victory came in the final match-up of a three-game road trip where the Wildcats went 2-1. They now sit in eighth place in the Southland Conference with a 7-6 record.
Freshmen Alexis Mason and Lizzy Dimba led the scoring onslaught with 16 points a piece. Senior Forward Renata Marquez and freshman forward Suzzy Dimba each were a rebound away from double-double with 15 points and nine boards. Sophmore Whitney West rounded out the starting five nicely, adding an additional 15 points. And freshman center Sydney Shelstead came off the bench to score 14 points.
“Our teams offensive execution was at all-time high tonight with everyone fulfilling their role and doing their job to the best of their ability,” head coach Julie Goodenough said. “We also made big offensive runs by making big defensive stops.”
The 96 point outburst was the most the ‘Cats had ever scored in conference play. It was also the third time this season for them to have six players in double figures.
SLU also had a big night on offense. Senior forward Aja Gibson went off for 24 points, and Junior Guard Elizabeth Styles nearly matched her with 23 points. However, 20 turnovers and ACU’s 50 percent shooting doomed the Lady Lions. SLU now has a 7-9 conference record and is 8-20 overall.
The Wildcats impressive scoring night came on the heels of 64-71 loss to McNeese State. While they missed out on their goal of a perfect finish to the season, they did manage to regroup in time for their final road game.
Alexis Mason said, “Our determination to finish out the last road trip strong helped us to get the win. Being able to execute on the offensive end got us wide open shots that we knocked down.”
The good shooting started early with the Wildcats jumping out to an 11-point lead only five minutes into the game. SLU held tight through the first half and entered the locker room down only seven. They cut the lead to one in the second half, but the ACU defense stepped up, and the Wildcat scoring kept coming.
The way that the ‘Cats confidently closed the game is a testament to their coaching and their maturity. A month earlier this game could have easily swung the other way, but the team’s discipline down the stretch did not allow it.
While the scoring may grab the headline, it was their defense, rebounding and passion that ultimately won them the game. The Wildcats return home with a winning conference record and their most complete win added to their résumé.
