No. 8 HBU Huskies (10-10,6-7 SLC) vs. No. 9 McNeese State Cowgirls (6-15,6-8 SLC)
2021 Southland Conference Tournament
Game 1 | Merrell Center – Katy, Texas | 11 a.m.
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KATY, Texas – The 2021 Hercules Tires Southland Tournament kicks off for the HBU women's basketball team for the first time since the 2016 season. HBU finished the regular season as the eighth seed and will face off with the ninth seed, McNeese on Wednesday for game one at 11 a.m. at the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas.
HBU (10-10,6-7 SLC) faced off against McNeese (6-15,6-8 SLC) twice in the same week during regular season play. The Huskies traveled to McNeese for the Monday matchup and had a rematch in Sharp Gym the following Saturday, February 27.
In the first meeting between the two teams, McNeese held control over the lead getting ahead as much as 24 in the middle of the third period. The Huskies trailed by just 10 in a little under two minutes to go, but the Cowgirls were able to take full control for a 10-0 run and with a final Huskies basket, McNeese captured the 73-55 victory. In the rematch at Sharp Gym, the teams traded the lead back and forth with the Huskies wrapping up the first half leading 24-20. The Huskies maintained control of the second half getting ahead by as much as 18 and sealed the 61-45 rematch victory.
HBU is led by Timia Jefferson who was selected for the 2021 All-Conference second team. She is currently ranked third in scoring with a 15.85 average while also ranking fourth in steal with 49 steals. Kennedy Wilson averages 10.7 points and ranked third in the conference with 71 assists while adding 38 steals. N'Denasija Collins averages 7.2 rebounds and 10.1 points per game with five double-double performances on the season. Marilyn Nzoiwu ranks fifth in the conference averaging 7.2 rebounds and ranks second in blocks with 34.
The Cowgirls roster is led by Kayla Hamilton averaging 12.9 points and 5.1 rebounds with her added 33 steals. Second team All-Conference selection Divine Hamilton averages 12.0 points and 8.5 rebounds ranking fourth in rebounding in the conference.
With a Huskies win, they will return on Thursday for another 11 a.m. matchup on March 11 against fifth-seeded Central Arkansas, who the Huskies did not see action against during regular season.
