March 14, 2007

JACKSON, Tenn. - Second-seeded Lubbock Christian University (Texas) overcame a 13-point halftime deficit in a matter of six minutes before eventually posting a 70-62 come-from-behind victory over seventh-seeded McKendree College (Ill.) in a first-round game that wrapped up the first day of action at the 27th Annual NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championship at Oman Arena.

McKendree went on an 18-4 run late in the first half before trading baskets in the final minute to take a 37-24 lead into halftime, and Suzy Gerler's basket on the Bearcats' first second-half possession pushed the lead to 15 points at 39-24. However, Ashley Hunter's basket was the first of 13 straight points for Lubbock Christian, and Jordan Hampton sank a pair of three-pointers on consecutive possessions to tie the game at 43-43 with 14:25 remaining in the game.

After three more ties, Kelsey Park gave McKendree its final lead of the game at 54-53 with six minutes to play, but Talita Aguilar's putback on the ensuing Lubbock Christian possession swung the lead back to the Lady Chaps for good. McKendree closed to within two points at 64-62 with just over a minute remaining, but Lubbock Christian sank six-of-eight free throws in the final minute to seal the victory.

Hampton finished with a game-high 22 points, including 17 in the second half, and Hunter added 21 points, 15 after halftime for Lubbock Christian. Talita Aguilar came off the bench to register 15 points on seven-of-10 shooting from the field.

McKendree was led by Kelsey Park's 16 points, while Emily Best came off the bench for 15 points. Emily Hart was the game's leading rebounder with 10 rebounds, six on the offensive glass.

With the win, Lubbock Christian improves to 26-6 overall and advances to a second round matchup with Houston Baptist on Friday at 4:30 p.m. McKendree wraps up the season with a 21-12 overall record.