POSTGAME INTERVIEWS WITH COACH THOMASTON AND JULENCIA CURTIS
LONGVIEW - Junior Julencia Curtis picked up 15 points and 12 rebounds while five other Jackets were in double figures as the LeTourneau women's basketball team picked up their second ASC win of the season with a 97-46 drubbing of Sul Ross St.
The Lobos (0-8, 0-3 ASC) came out hot in the first half as they took a 6-0 lead in the first three minutes, but freshmen Kaley Green and Laura Driskell came off the bench and hit a jumper and three pointer to make it a one point game. Curtis got on the board to give LeTourneau their first lead of the game followed by a layup from junior Andrea Ashley to extend it to three.
The two teams battled back and forth with Sul Ross taking a 17-13 lead at the midway point of the half, but LeTourneau went on a 10-0 run highlighted by three pointers by junior Jessica Manas and Green to retake the lead.
After a three pointer from Sul Ross, LeTourneau responded with a 12-0 run to take command with a 35-20 lead. The Jackets (3-3, 2-1 ASC) didn't shoot great in the first half, but did do a good job of drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line, getting there 15 times.
The Jackets extended their lead to 20 going into half and did not waste anytime in the second half as they turned up the defense, holding the Lobos to only 17 points in the second half.
LeTourneau pulled away and got the blowout win with Curtis picking up her first double-double of the season, she also added five rebounds on the offensive end and added three steals while playing great post defense.
Green was great off the bench with 15 points, four boards, and two assits while junior Ashley Fajarado notched 12 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Three different Jackets scored 10 points in Driskell, sophomore Shi'rrell Williams, and freshman Erica Carson. Junior Jessica Manas played only 20 minutes and picked up seven assists while freshman Ashley Stephens had two blocks.
The YellowJackets had been struggling with shooting this season, but lit up the scoreboard tonight, shooting 48% from the field and 71% from the free throw line. They outrebounded the Lobos an astonishing 59-26 and won the turnover battled 26-17.
LeTourneau will enjoy the win, but return to the court on Saturday as they welcome in the Howard Payne Yellow Jackets. First tip is set for 1:00 p.m.
