March 5, 2009
Final Stats
Call WBB Contact Michael Stambaugh for more details - 386.481.2278
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The Lady Wildcats got off to a strong start on Senior Day at Bethune-Cookman, grabbing an early game lead over conference rival Florida A&M, and maintaining control throughout the early part of the game. However, a second-half run only six minutes in pushed the Lady Rattlers on top. FAMU was able to pull away late and down B-CU 57-50.
The Lady Wildcats wrapped up their most successful regular season since 2002-2003, demonstrating great progress under first year Head Coach Vanessa Inge. Bethune-Cookman also honored two senior players following today's game, Brittany Jackson, a transfer player who has seem reserve playing time this season, and Traci Fountain, a four-year B-CU player who has been a solid contributor over her time here. The loss moves B-CU to 12-17 (5-11 MEAC) in 2008-09 as they face the next challenge, earning an opportunity for post-season play by making a run at the MEAC Conference Basketball Championships, beginning March 9 in Winston-Salem, N.C.
In tonight's game, the Lady Wildcats got off to an extremely strong start, putting the first points on the board and building a lead throughout the first twelve minutes of play. B-CU led by as much as nine points in an extremely low-scoring first half for both teams. As the end of the half neared, the Lady Rattlers began to climb back into the flow of the game, doubling up scores on B-CU in the final eight minutes, cutting the Lady Wildcat to just two points by halftime.
Coming out of the locker room, the Lady Wildcats kept the pace of the game rolling, battling back out to a five-point lead. With fourteen minutes remaining in the game, the Lady Rattlers forced the first tie since the opening tip, and then pushed ahead. The Lady Wildcats reclaimed the lead just once, just seconds later, with the Lady Rattlers quick to reclaim it and never look back. The second half's momentum was definitely controlled by Florida A&M, gradually extending their lead to as much as nine points. B-CU kept in the game, knocking down the deficit several times, and never allowing the game to get completely out of reach, including bringing the score to within five with only: 39 left on the clock. As the game closed out, FAMU made crucial free throws to hold on and down B-CU, 57-50.
Leading the Lady Wildcats in scoring was Euneshia Proctor, who finished with a season and career high 19 points (on 8-14 shooting), as the only Lady Wildcat in double-figures. Proctor also took charge on the glass, leading the team in rebounds with 10, to collect her fifth double-double of the season.
Stay tuned in the upcoming week as the Lady Wildcats take on the MEAC Basketball Championships in the upcoming week, BCCathletics.com will keep you up on all the action, beginning March 9 in North Carolina.
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