Nov. 19, 2005
PENSACOLA, Fla. - The Argonauts of West Florida won their second game in as many nights this evening in the UWF Surf Burger Tip-Off Classic by making quick work of St. Thomas Aquinas (NY), 77-55. West Florida has won their last ten straight home games dating back to last year. The Argos have won their last two games by a combined 47 points.
West Florida (3-0) built a 24-6 lead in the first half and led by as many as 19 points with 4:39 left until halftime. St. Thomas (0-3) got back into the game by out scoring UWF, 11-4 down the stretch cutting the deficit to 13 at the break, 35-22. West Florida's 14 first half turnover pulled the Spartans back into the game. However, UWF had a huge advantage on the boards, 28-14, and the Spartans shot just 25.8% from the field.
West Florida's Erin Vierling nearly had a double-double by halftime with 11 points and nine rebounds. St. Thomas got to within nine points early in the second half. From that point on, the Argos distanced themselves from the Spartans by going on a 23-4 run that St. Thomas never bounced back from. West Florida's largest lead was 28.
Tournament MVP Erin Vierling finished the game with 19 points and 13 boards. She was 9-for-10 from the line. All-Tournament Team selection Michelle Gibson scored 15 points with three steals. The Argos allowed just St. Thomas just five offensive rebounds. St. Thomas was led by Kelly McManus who scored 11 points with six rebounds. She was also named to the All-Tournament Team.
West Florida plays at Spring Hill College this Tuesday night at 6:00 pm.
