Birmingham, Ala. – Three players reached double figures in scoring as the University of North Alabama women’s basketball team advanced to the semi-final round of the Gulf South Conference Tournament with a 62-54 win over Christian Brothers Friday at the Pete Hanna Center on the campus of Samford University in Birmingham.
After falling to the Lady Bucs twice this season, UNA used a solid defensive performance to improve to 15-12 on the year with the upset victory. CBU (15-13) knocked off the Lions 75-62 and 64-46 during the regular season before struggling from three-point range in the tournament loss. The Lady Bucs were 0-for-14 from long range on the day.
UNA faced its own offensive problems, committing 19 turnovers and failing to score for the first 4:12 of playing time. CBU jumped out to an 8-0 lead and held the advantage until the final two minutes of the first half. A free throw by Janae Lyde gave the Lions their first lead of the game at 29-28. UNA took a 32-30 lead into the break.
Christian Brothers pulled to within two points early in the second half, but could never catch up. North Alabama extended its lead to double digits at 50-40 with 10:46 remaining and the Bucs would get no closer than seven the rest of the way.
Lyde finished with a career-high 17 points to lead UNA. Delisa Madry added a trio of three-point baskets and finished with 13 points while Jennifer Towne recorded her second straight double-double and sixth of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
Breanna Ridgell led the Lady Bucs with a game-high 19 points.
The win set up another second-round opponent who has defeated UNA twice this year. The Lions will face Delta State Saturday at 12:30 p.m. The Lady Statesmen swept the season series by a combined six points. The winner will advance to the GSC Championship Game set for Sunday at 1 p.m.
Courtesy: UNA Media Relations