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Defensive Effort Gives Lady Pirates 62-52 Win Over Arkansas State
 

 

 
 
 
Defensive Effort Gives Lady Pirates 62-52 Win Over Arkansas State
01/04/2004

  • Box score
  • Postgame quotes
  • Postgame notes

    JONESBORO, Ark. -- The East Carolina women's basketball team recorded its eighth win of the season after posting a 62-52 victory over Arkansas State Saturday night at the Convocation Center.

    ECU (8-4) trailed early in the game as the Lady Indians (8-3) jumped out to a 7-5 lead behind a Amber Abraham's three-pointer just four minutes into the game. But defensive pressure, along with the sharp shooting of Jennifer Jackson, allowed the Lady Pirates to go on a 13-0 run to take an 11-point lead, 18-7. It was the largest lead of the first half for ECU.

    Arkansas State then went on a run of their own, 15-4, to tie the game at 22 behind an Ali Carter three-point basket with 5:47 left until intermission. ECU would take a five-point lead at halftime, 33-28, behind three baskets from senior guard Alisha Bishop in the final three minutes.

    In the second half, the Lady Indians put up six quick points to take a one-point lead, 34-33, in the first 1:30 of play. But the Lady Pirates' defense proved to be on the rise as they forced eight second-half turnovers and built their lead to 11 points, 55-44, with 4:45 left to play in regulation.

    In the final 4:45 to play, both teams traded baskets but ECU would not relinquish its lead, as the Lady Pirates would go up by 13 on a Courtney Willis layup with 28 seconds to play.

    Senior Catrice Webster led Arkansas State in scoring with 15 points, while Amber Abraham (12) and Katie Caraway (11) scored in double-figures.

    ECU's Bishop led three Lady Pirates in scoring, recording 18 points in 19 minutes of play, hitting 6-of-11 shots from the floor, and going 6-of-8 from the line. Willis collected her seventh double-double of the season and second in a row with 12 points and 13 boards. Guard Jennifer Jackson added 12 points.

    The Lady Pirates will be back in action on Monday night as they travel to take on Murray State before heading home before starting conference play on Jan. 9 against UAB. Monday night's game is scheduled to tipoff at 7 p.m. CT.

    Head Coach Sharon Baldwin-Tener
    Jan, 3, 2004
    Postgame Quotes

  • On the game in general:
    "Our team played the best defense tonight than we have all year and that was probably the key for us winning. The way that we have been playing, I would have never thought that we would have held Arkansas State to 52 points. They are a very good team offensively and defensively. I knew that they were going to give us some trouble defensively, especially with their pressure. It is nice to win a game with good defensive play and rebounding, and I think we did that tonight."
  • On rebounding
    "At the beginning of the year we stressed rebounding as a key for us to win. Our players have bought into that philosophy. We came into the game out rebounding our opponents by 10 per game. Since we are not as big as some of the teams that we have played and are going to play, we have to agressive and physical if we want to win games."
  • On Alisha Bishop's play:
    "I thought her play tonight was big for us getting this win. One thing that we stressed tonight was to be physical because of their defensive pressure. Alisha came right of the bench and gave us what we wanted. She was able to get some layups, hit some shots and make things happen for us. Later in the game she was able to knock down some key free throws for us. I really think that she gave us a spark off the bench."
  • On Murray State:
    "Murray State is going to be another tough road game for us. They have a very good defense and we will have to be able to handle their pressure. If we can build on tonights game against Arkansas State, we will be able to be competative in our remaining games heading into conference play."

    East Carolina v. Arkansas State
    Jan. 3, 2004
    Postgame Notes

  • ECU improved to 8-4 on the season.
  • Alisha Bishop recorded a game-high 18 points in 19 minutes of play.
  • Courtney Willis added 12 points and grabbed 13 points to record her seventh double-double of the season.
  • The Lady Pirates out rebounded ASU 48 to 25, marking the 10th time in 12 games ECU has out rebounded its opponent.


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