Comeback falls short against ranked Lady Riverhawks

The WTAMU women’s basketball team was at home Dec. 20 taking on #7 ranked Northeastern State in an LSC crossover game at the First United Bank Center in Canyon. 

Despite a monumental comeback in the second half by the Lady Buffs, it wasn’t enough to overcome NSU as the Lady Riverhawks escaped with a 65-62 victory. 

Right from the start, NSU made it clear that it was going to be a long night for the Lady Buffs as they raced out to an early 3-0 lead.  WT fought back and wrestled the lead away at the 16:36 mark when they held a 7-6 lead. 

NSU seemed to be sparked from that moment on as they outscored the Lady Buffs 9-2 over the next few minutes to take a 15-9 lead with 12:14 remaining in the first half.  At the 8:57 mark that led had grown to 25-11. 

WT fought hard throughout the rest of the period, eventually tying the game at 29 apiece before the end of the half.  However, NSU scored four quick points to take a 33-29 lead going into the locker room. 

The second half was nothing short of a back and forth struggle.  Both teams fought hard to gain control of this hotly contested game.  At the 12:41 mark the game was tied at 40-40.  From that point on NSU outscored the Lady Buffs 25-23 to claim a 65-63 victory. 

Leading the scoring for the Lady Buffs was junior Jamie Simmons who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Fellow junior Ashley Leven chipped in 12 points and senior Megan McLain scored 10 points. 

The Lady Buffs will now take a break for the holidays and return to action on Dec. 29 when they travel to Russellville, Ark., to take on #5 ranked Arkansas Tech.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.