Dec. 30, 2005

ECU-MVSU Boxscore
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ATLANTA, GA. - East Carolina women's basketball head coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener returned to her home state of Georgia and in the process of winning the consolation game of the Hyatt Regency Invitational over Mississippi Valley State by a 69-60 margin, helped the Lady Pirate program earn its 500th victory.

Behind the play of point guard Jasmine Young, who paced the team with a game-high and career-best 19 points, and senior LaToya Horton who added 10 points and eight rebounds the Lady Pirates improved to 7-4 on the season. Center Cherie Mills, who missed only her second start of the season, chipped in 18 points while snatching eight rebounds.

ECU entered second half play trailing 34-27, and behind freshmen Jessica Slack, Impris Manning and Young, who combined for 14 of the Lady Pirates first 42 second half points, the score was knotted at 41-41 by the 13:15 mark. Each team would trade baskets over the next four minutes of the contest, with East Carolina taking its first lead of the game with 9:01 remaining following a layup by Horton.

"LaToya Horton had a great game," coach Baldwin-Tener said. "She has been down a little bit over the last couple of games and tonight she played like she is capable of playing. She was very aggressive on the boards, hit some big shots and was able to find the open man. Her five assists and no turnovers was key."

The Lady Pirates started the game with a completely new lineup, with Alicia Person making her first career start, alongside senior Catherine Coley, Jasmine Young, Jessica Slack, and Nicole Days. Mississippi Valley State jumped out to an early 8-0 lead by the 16:54 mark, before East Carolina responded with a 9-1 run to tie the game. The rally was sparked by two Young three-point baskets, and fellow guard Jessica Slack hitting from beyond the arch.

A back-and-forth game over the next 6:46 of the contest, the Devilettes pulled out to a 22-13 advantage before a jumper by Cherie Mills ended a scoring drought for East Carolina. Mills scored each of the next six Lady Pirate baskets, cutting the deficit to 22-19 with 6:11 remaining in the half. Mississippi Valley State responded with a run of their own, extending the lead to 31-20 capped off by a three-pointer by Portia Wilson.

Capped off by a LaCoya Terry halftime layup, as well as jumpers by Gabriela Husarova and Cherie Mills, the Lady Pirates ended on a 7-3 run and would trail on the scoreboard 34-27.

Mississippi Valley State vs. East Carolina
December 30, 2005
Game Notes