Jan. 20, 2007
MONTEVALLO, Ala. - After scoring the first 11 points of the game and leading by six at halftime, West Florida was outscored 38-14 in the second half as Montevallo claimed a 62-44 win Saturday at Peoples Bank and Trust Arena. West Florida (9-10, 2-2 GSC) lost their second straight conference game, while Montevallo (10-7, 3-1 GSC) ended an eight-game losing streak to West Florida.
West Florida led by as many as 10 early in the second half. Leading by seven with 13:48 remaining, Montevallo went on a 9-2 run to tie the game at 41. After Elisa Hardy (Nashville, Tenn./Donelson Christian HS) converted a free-throw to give West Florida a 42-41 lead at the 10 minute mark, Montevallo went on a 20-0 run over the next nine minutes. During the run, West Florida missed eight field goals and four free throws before Karmeshia Easley (Mobile, Ala./Spring Hill College) ended the drought with a field goal with 57 seconds remaining. The 14 points were the fewest points scored by Argonauts in a half this season.
West Florida started strongly with an 11-0 run as Tara Russ (Lake Park, Fla./Kings Academy) scored eight of the first 11 points. Montevallo cut the deficit to two with 9:22 remaining in the half, but West Florida went on an 8-0 run as Laura Davis (Spanish Fort, Ala./Univ. of Mobile) recorded two three-point field goals. West Florida eventually took a 30-24 lead into halftime.
Russ led West Florida with her second career double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Davis added 12 points and six assists. Veronica Jackson tallied a game-high 25 points, while Malissa Harris added 12 points and eight rebounds. West Florida out shot Montevallo, but the Argonauts totaled 28 turnovers to the Lady Falcons 14.
West Florida will look to end their two-game losing streak on Monday at West Alabama. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on Stretch Internet. Go to the women's basketball page on www.goargos.com to listen.
