PINEVILLE, La. – The Huston-Tillotson University women's basketball team was unable to complete a season sweep of Louisiana Christian as the Wildcats defeated the visiting Rams 83-68 Saturday.
At LCU's H.O. West Fieldhouse, Princis Goff scored a game-high 25 points to lead five Wildcats in double-figures. Goff went to the free throw line 19 times, making 17 of her attempts.
Wilashia Burleson led the Rams (8-10, 7-8 RRAC) with 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting from the floor.
Destiny Stanford added 15 points and four steals for HT, while
Aliyah Carter chipped in 11 points in addition to handing out nine assists, which matched her season best.
LCU (6-10, 6-8 RRAC) led for most of the game after holding the Rams scoreless over the final five minutes of the first quarter and taking a 19-7 lead into the second period. The Rams outscored their hosts in the second and third periods, cutting LCU's lead to one possession multiple times in the third quarter, but got no closer.
The Wildcats simply outshot their guests, as LCU players shot 53.2 percent (25 of 47) from the floor. They also sank 77.5 percent (31) of their 40 free throw attempts. The Rams shot 31.9 percent (23 of 72) from the floor, and made only four of their 21 3-point tries (19.0 percent).
HT's shooting woes undermined the Rams forcing 25 turnovers while committing only 15. The Rams' defense came away with 14 steals and held a 19-14 advantage in points from turnovers.
The Rams also had an 18-8 advantage in offensive rebounds, but only outscored LCU 13-9 in second-chance points.
HT had won the previous three matchups against Louisiana Christian, sweeping the 2023-24 season series and defeating the Wildcats 63-55 in Austin in November.
Summer Thomas scored nine points and pulled in nine rebounds for the Rams, while
Tyaija Coleman scored seven points for HT.
The Rams return to action Saturday, Jan. 25, when they visit the greater Houston area to face North American University. Tipoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Stafford High School gymnasium in Stafford, Texas.
– HT –
