Feb. 4, 2006
FLORENCE, Ala. - - West Florida Survives North Alabama Comeback
West Florida completely overwhelmed the struggling North Alabama Lions for most of today's Gulf South Conference match-up. The Argonauts had the Lions blown out with just under 17 minutes left to play. North Alabama would not go away despite the late deficit and missed a chance to win it on their final possession as the Argos prevailed, 65-64.
With 35 seconds left to play in regulation, UNA's India Hackman missed the front end of a one-and-one. Shay Ashford kept UNA's hopes alive with an offensive rebound off the miss. Leah Roberts misfired from the corner as time expired and UWF held on for the thrilling victory.
West Florida led, 54-32 with 16:58 left to play. North Alabama went on a 32-11 run to close out the game, but the run was not enough as the Argos came away with the key stop down the stretch. North Alabama tied the game with 2:44 left to play when Ashford scored. Melissa Nafzger answered with a three-pointer at the 2:17 mark. That was UWF's final points of the game.
The Argos 46-32 halftime lead was their largest at the time. They scored the first eight points to open the second half.
West Florida was led by Nafzger's 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting and 3-for-3 from behind the arc. She also added nine boards. Lyndsay Munro contributed 16 first half points. Erin Vierling had 10 points with six boards and four steals. West Florida shot at a 42.3 percent clip. In the first half they shot 51.4 percent.
North Alabama's India Hackman had a game high 26 points. Lauren Qualls scored 12 points. Amber Rutherford had 11 boards and Ashford totaled 10 rebounds.
West Florida remains in first place in the GSC East at 7-1 and 16-4 overall. They are sixth in the South Region. North Alabama drops to 3-18 overall and 1-7 in the conference. The Argos complete the two game season series sweep of the Lions. West Florida plays at Alabama-Huntsville on Monday night at 5:30 pm.
