March 19, 2008

JACKSON, Tenn. - Lubbock Christian (Texas) University, a five-seed, opened the 2008 NAIA Division I Women's National Tournament with an 81-78 win over fourth-seeded St. Xavier (Ill.) University.  In a game that looked to over soon after it started, St. Xavier rallied from a 21-point second half deficit to tie the game.

The Lady Chaps of Lubbock Christian (24-9) opened the game with a 9-0 run and led by as many as 20 points in the first half before entering halftime with a 42-25 lead.

Lubbock Christian extended its 17-point halftime advantage to 21 points (48-27) with 18:14 left in the game.  However, St. Xavier (23-9) posted a 28-9 run to cut the Lubbock Christian lead down to just two points, 57-55, with 8:38 left to play.  The two teams swapped baskets over the next two minutes, with the Lady Chaps maintaining the lead. 

With 6:33 left to play, St. Xavier completed the comeback and tied the game at 63-63 following two Alex Barone free throws.  Lubbock Christian immediately regained the lead for good on a three-pointer from Sierra Wilcox-Lovorn.  With a three-point play from Barone, the Cougars cut the lead down to one point with 29 seconds remaining.  But Lubbock Christian's Wilcox-Lovorn sank two free throws to put the lead at 81-78.  St. Xavier was unable to get a shot off in the final seconds.

Leading the way for the Lady Chaps was Bailey St. Clair with 17 points.  Wilcox-Lovorn added 16 points, Carolyn Manning posted 15 points, and Jordan Hampton scored 12 points. 

St. Xavier was led by Barone with 17 points.  Candis Jackson and Erin Hannemann each added 14 points.  Jackie Heine and Kathlyn McClain scored 13 and 10 points respectively.

Lubbock Christian advances to the second round on Friday, March 21 at 2:15 pm and will play the winner of the Lee (Tenn.)/Brescia (Ky.) game.