Feb. 5, 2006
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - - After nearly allowing North Alabama to cap a 22-point comeback with a victory on Saturday, West Florida gained a 20-point lead at halftime en route to a 72-53 victory Monday evening at Spragins Hall. West Florida improves to 17-4, 8-1 in the Gulf South Conference. Alabama-Huntsville falls to 9-12, 4-5 in the GSC.
Melissa Nafzger picked up two fouls in the first five minutes, and Alabama-Huntsville took advantage by building a four-point lead. But without Nafzger, West Florida went on a 21-3 run to open up a 14-point lead late in the first half. Erin Vierling scored eight of the Argonauts 21 points during the run. West Florida finished the first half on a 9-3 run to go into halftime with a 42-22 lead. The Argonauts scored 17 points off of 16 first half Lady Charger turnovers.
In the second half, West Florida prevented any second half comeback by Alabama-Huntsville. Alabama-Huntsville went on a 12-4 run midway through the half to cut the deficit to 11. Jessica Russell scored eight of the Lady Charger 12 points during the run. But West Florida did not allow Alabama-Huntsville to get any closer as the Argonauts settled for the 19-point victory. West Florida posted their fifth victory in the last six games against Alabama-Huntsville. It was also the 14th time this season that the Argonauts have defeated an opponent by 10 or more points.
Michelle Gibson led West Florida with 21 points. She added six rebounds and four assists. Erin Vierling recorded her 15th consecutive game of double-figure scoring with 14 points. Nafzger finished with nine points and a game-high seven rebounds while playing most of the game in foul trouble. Ann Ching added nine points, and Heather George contributed five assists and six rebounds. Russell led Alabama-Huntsville with 16 points, while draining four three-pointers. Hillary Luna added nine points and six rebounds.
West Florida returns to the UWF Field House on Sat., Feb. 11, when they host Lincoln Memorial University. Tip-off is set for 4:30 p.m. West Florida defeated Lincoln Memorial 59-48 on Jan. 9 in Harrogate, Tenn.
