Dec. 2, 2005
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - West Florida won a tough road game tonight the old fashion way. Tenacious defense and domination on the boards was the key to West Florida winning a tight, low scoring game with Incarnate Word on their home gym, 50-43.
Melissa Nafzger recorded a career high 20 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. Nafzger added 12 points and three steals. The double-double marks the 11th of her career and second of the season. She was one block shy of a triple-double in the Argos loss to Mobile on Nov. 29.
West Florida (5-1) trailed for most of the game, until UWF overwhelmed Incarnate Word (0-7) with defensive pressure. West Florida took their second lead of the game on an Ann Ching three-pointer at 10:05 left to play in regulation, 38-35. Ching's three spirited a 7-0 run by the Argos. All seven points scored on lay-ups by Ching. She scored nine of her 10 points in just under a three-minute stretch in the second half. The UWF defense limited UIW to just 18 second half points, and five points in the game's final 8:42.
The Argos pulled down 46 rebounds to the Cardinal's 31. West Florida tallied 18 offensive boards and limited UIW to just seven. The Argos also enjoyed a huge advantage at the free throw line. West Florida went 11-for-17, while Incarnate Word had just two free-throw opportunities in the game and missed both. Each team struggled from the field. The Argos shot 32.2% and the Cardinals shot 34.0%.
Michelle Gibson led all scorers with 15 points, six rebounds and four steals. Erin Vierling scored eight points and seven boards. Incarnate Word's Danielle Farriel scored 11 points to lead the Cardinals.
Seventeen first half turnovers and a 29.0% shooting percentage put the Argos in a whole at the break, 25-21. Gibson played just 10 minutes after collecting two fouls. Nafzger tallied a double-double by the break with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
West Florida plays tomorrow night against St. Mary's (Texas) in San Antonio at 4:00 pm.
