Jan. 20, 2007

Box Score

CANYON, Texas - A relentless swarming team defensive effort forced 29 turnovers and sophomore guard Emily Brister collected her second double-double of the year, pouring in 25 points and hauling down 10 rebounds, as the No. 16 West Texas A&M women's basketball team claimed its 27th consecutive victory on its home court at the First United Ban Center on Saturday, defeating Lone Star Conference South Division rival Abilene Christian by the score of 62-50.

The victory improves WTAMU's overall record this season to 15-3, giving the program its 26th consecutive season of at least 15 wins. The last time WTAMU did not notch at least 15 wins in a season was the 1980-81 season, the final year under the direction of Gary Mooring. The Lady Buffs also remain atop the LSC South standings, with a perfect 4-0 mark in divisional games. Abilene Christian, meanwhile, falls to 11-7 and 2-2 in league action.

WTAMU came out of the gate with a strong defensive team effort, not allowing a Wildcat field goal until the 12:38 mark of the first half, outscoring the visitors 9-0 to begin the contest. The opening spar was led primarily by Brister, who contributed the Lady Buffs' first seven points of the ballgame.

The Lady Buff attack continued both offensively and defensively during the first half with the WTAMU full court pressure defense leading the charge. During the opening period, ACU committed more turnovers (22) than the team had field goal attempts (19).

At the half, the Lady Buffs carried its largest lead of the contest at 28-12 into the locker room, with Brister leading all scorers during the game's first 20 minutes with 17 points.

The Wildcats attempted to rally late in the second half, much of it coming from beyond the three point arc, where they converted 6-of-12 opportunities.

Senior guard Natalie Wheeler was a force for the Lady Buffs as they sealed the victory down the stretch, contributing 11 points during the second half to finish with 13 for the game.

Despite only converting one field goal attempt in the contest, senior Alicia Saunders tied Brister for the team lead with 10 rebounds against the Wildcats.

For ACU, forward Audrey Maxwell also finished with a double-double, contributing 10 points and 12 rebounds for the `Cats.

The Lady Buffs return to action Wednesday when they host another LSC South opponent, Tarleton State, in a 6 p.m. match up at the First United Bank Center.