No. 15 Lady Chaps Holds on to Defeat Mid-America Christian 80-76 - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

OKLAHOMA CITY (January 4, 2010) – No. 15 Lubbock Christian University almost had a 15-point second half lead slip away in the final moments, but they held on for an 80-76 Sooner Athletic Conference victory over Mid-America Christian University Monday afternoon at Gaulke Activities Center.

Trailing 69-54, following a field goal from LCU's Lauren Sparks with nine minutes remaining, Mid-America Christian went on a 10-3 run over the next six minutes to cut LCU's lead to 72-69.  Shamika Singleton, who finished with a team-high 18 points, hit consecutive field goals to build LCU's lead to 76-69, but the Lady Evangels continued to fight back.  They went on a 7-2 run closing in on the final minute of play and had a chance to steal a victory with 30 seconds remaining.  After a free-throw from Karina Trindade to cut the LCU lead to 78-76, Singleton grabbed the ball out of bounds and handed the ball to Severyn Smith for Smith to conduct the inbound pass, but since Smith was still in-play on the court, it is treated as an inbounded ball with Smith stepping out of bounds (a turnover).  MACU ran the clock down for a final shot to tie the game, and Melissa Aguilar's runner was no good and Smith was fouled rebounding the ball and was able to knock down the free-throws to seal the win. 

LCU maintained the lead throughout most of the game, but both teams had solid shooting.  The Lady Chaps shot 61.5 % (16/26) in the opening half for a 44-37 halftime lead.  They ended up shooting 54.9% overall in the contest (28/51), shooting 60.5% (26/43) inside the perimeter.  MACU (8-5,1-4) was 50% (15/30) from the field in the second half and finished the game shooting 48.4% (30/62).

The Lady Evangels received a double-double from Trindade, as she produced 18 points and 13 rebounds.  MACU out-rebounded LCU 33-26 and they were led on the offensive end by Brittany Johnson, who produced 25 points.  LCU finished with four players in double-figures in points.  Ashley Coggins (14), Brittany Hampton (13) and Smith (10) joined Singelton with double digits in points. 

The Lady Chaps are now 8-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play, ending a three-game conference losing streak.  They return home to host Oklahoma Baptist University at 6 p.m. inside Rip Griffin Center.