Lady Argos Hold On To 72-68 Win Over Harding
photo courtesy of Ron BesserPENSACOLA, Fla. – The University of West Florida women’s basketball team collected their second consecutive win in as many nights as they defeated Gulf South Conference West Division foe, Harding, 72-68 in the final game of the 2009 UWF Tip-Off Classic. The Lady Argos were led offensively by Tiffany Williams (St. Petersburg, Fla./North Florida (Boca Ciega HS)) and Amy Drake (Niceville, Fla./Winthrop (Niceville HS)) who collected 17 points apiece to help push the Argos over .500 with a 2-1 record on the young season.
Drake was 3-4 from three point range while also knocking down a perfect 6-6 from the free throw line. Senior Tiffany Williams also put down a game high 17 points with three assists and two steals to lead the Argos. Sabrina Stambouli (Québec City, Québec/Dawson) was the leader off the bench for West Florida tacking on 15 points with a perfect 4-4 shot from beyond the three point arc.
West Florida got off to a strong start to take a 32-30 lead over the Bison by the end of the first half. Stambouli led all first half scorers with nine total points and hit three of her four three pointers in the first frame. The Argos started the half with just a 1-5 effort from the field but fought their way to an eight point lead with just over 10 minutes to play. Harding stayed aggressive on the boards and was able to tie the game five minutes later before a Williams three pointer put the Argos in front for the remainder of the half.
The Argos were able to continue their rhythm in the second half, pulling out to as much as an eight point lead with two minutes left in regulation. The teams would exchange buckets before a Stacey Owens three pointer cut the Argos lead down to three with under a minute remaining. Missed attempts by the Bisons and a Williams free throw with two seconds on the clock iced the game for the Argos, giving them a 72-68 victory.
Leading the way for Harding was Bailey St. Clair and Stacey Owens who dropped 16 points each. Off the bench Katie Dunn contributed 25 points while Elizabeth Nagel added eight points. St. Clair and Kaitlin Skinner led all players with six rebounds apiece.
The Argo’s Williams and Drake were named to the All-Tournament team with Williams taking home the MVP honors. In two games she averaged 19 points 4.5 rebounds and shot .500 from three point range (6-12), leading the Argos to two wins. Drake totaled 28 points in two games, averaging 14 points a game and 3.5 assists.
Next weekend the Argos will be making their first road trip of the season, a journey to Fairbanks, Alaska for the North Star Invitational Tournament November 26-28.
For more information on Argonaut athletics or to follow along with live stats, fans can keep up with the action at www.GoArgos.com.
