HOUSTON – HBU fell to Lamar in a tough 66-61 loss in Southland Conference women's basketball Wednesday night at Sharp Gym, after not seeing game time action for 25 days.
Timia Jefferson started the game strong after a fast break layup and with a three-pointer from Julija Vujakovic, HBU (5-4,1-1 SLC) had a 5-0 lead. The Huskies maintained their lead, but Jefferson got into foul trouble with three personal fouls while HBU was outscored 10-3 in the last three minutes of the first period. Lamar (4-9, 3-2 SLC) traded back-and-forth points with HBU who outrebound them 13-8 in the second period. The last three minutes went scoreless until a fast break layup from Kayla Mitchell put the Cardinals up 31-30 to finish the half.
The Huskies bounced back after halftime with a three-pointer from N'Denasija Collins and a layup from Abbey Sutherland off a Lamar turnover. The Cardinals gained some momentum and pulled away for an eight-point lead, their highest lead of the game. With Jefferson back in and a person six points, the Huskies closed in only down 43-47. The Huskies were not able to get ahead and with Jefferson out with five fouls and 11 points from Lamar's Micaela Wilson, the Cardinals finished the final 30 seconds with six free throws to put them on top for a 66-61 victory.
Vujakovic led the Huskies with 13 points and an added two steals while Jefferson was close behind with 12 points and two steals. Collins led with 10 boards and added 11 points. HBU was outrebound 38-35 and struggled at the line going 12-for-20. The Huskies scored 18 points from turnovers and finished shooting 36.2 percent from the field.
Lamar was led by Sabria Dean with 18 points and went perfect at the line. Wilson was closes behind with 17 points and led with 14 rebounds. Jadyn Pimentel contributed seven points and three steals while Anyssia Gibbs and Mitchell both added six points. The Cardinals shot 84.9 percent from the line and 41.5 from the field. Lamar earned 18 points from the bench and 14 from turnovers.
The Huskies will see action next on Saturday, Jan. 30 for another home match in Sharp Gym against Nicholls at 1 p.m.
