PINEVILLE, La. - The LeTourneau YellowJackets had on of their best shooting days from the field this season, but too many turnovers proved to be costly and Louisiana College pulled away to take a 86-56 win on their home court.
The Jackets jumped out to an early 3-0 lead thanks to a three pointer from freshman Alyson Duplantis. After a pair of free throws from the Wildcats, junior Julencia Curtis hit a jumper and LeTourneau (7-14, 4-11 ASC) held a 5-2 lead.
A 10-0 run put the Wildcats (18-1, 14-0 ASC) up by seven before junior Andrea Ashley hit her first jumper of the game to stop the run. Freshman Ashley Stephens followed that up with a foul and the basket to cut the deficit down to two.
The Jackets hung tough, getting productivity from everyone on the floor as they found themselves down by 20-16 at the midway point of the first half. However, turnovers began to mount up and Louisiana College put some distance between themselves and LeTourneau, holding the Jackets to only six points in the next 10 minutes and taking a 41-22 lead at half.
The second half proved to be a half of agressive play as the two teams combined to go to the free throw line 41 times and committed 30 total fouls. The Jackets kept up with the Wildcats in the second half, but could not overcome the large deficit, eventually falling.
Ashley was terrific, leading the way with 20 points, five rebounds, and a blocked shot. Manas added nine points, two assists, two steals, and a block while sophomore Shi'rrell Williams had seven points, nine rebounds, and a block.
LeTourneau as a team shot 49% from the field, but only took 39 total shots to the 85 total shots by Louisiana College. The Jackets did committ 46 turnovers, but outrebounded the Wildcats 44-42.
The Jackets return home on Thursday as they will welcome in the Texas-Tyler Patriots in the Blue Out Game. All students and fans are encouraged to attend and wear blue. The first 100 students at the game will receive a free Blue Out t-shirt. The game starts at 5:30 and t-shirts will be distributed at 5:10.
