\nv\v.tlicne\vsargus.coni I’liesday, December 7 2010 'I'lie News Argus Page 7 Lady Rams fall short against Anderson Trojans, 48-53 Jaye Cole Assistant Editor jcoleW9@TVSsu.edu Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (3-2) hosted Anderson University (2-2) Dec. 12 in the season's second home game. For the second time this season, WSSU women's bas ketball team battled the Lady Trojans. Hoping to improve their 3-1 start, the Lady Rams deployed an athletic starting five anchored by the team's leading scorer, junior guard Courtney Medley. The Lady Rams struggled the first half of the game, scor ing just nine points from the field. Despite using a run-and- gun offense, WSSU managed to score their first field goal almost six minutes into game play. Meanwhile, Anderson University quickly found an offensive rhythm, outscoring the Lady Rams 9-0. Penalties were a problem for the Lady Rams as well, racking up 10 turnovers in the first half alone. The second half was a differ ent story for the Lady Rams. A layup by Medley just one minute into the second half 1 % 0 'MU"' M. K “^oto by Garrett Garms, University photograpl^ Game Totals ignited the Lady Rams offense, bringing the once quiet crowd — and the WSSU sideline — to their feet. The Lady Rams were able to stay afloat by utilizing sev eral substitutions from their deep bench. Junior forward Carlisa Haggler scored eight points from the bench, helping to close the gap between WSSU and the Lady Trojans. A furious rally by the Lady Rams intensified on both ends of the ball, forcing 20 turnovers against the Lady Trojans. Anderson University, which once led by as many as 12 points, saw their lead dwin dle to five points after half- time. A solid second-half performance by sophomore guard Jasmine Newkirk, which registered a total eight points in the contest, helped to make the game come alive. As the game progressed, the Lady Trojans lead over WSSU was cut to just one point. A three-pointer by Haggler at the second half 13:03 mark put the Lady Rams into the position to take the lead for the first time in the ball game. However, the Lady Rams defense fell short of denying Anderson University's key shots, and was never able to clinch the advantage. The Lady Trojans picked up the hot hand in the last five minutes of the game, driving the score up once again. With less than a minute left in the second half, the Lady Rams saw themselves up against an eight point deficit. Last minute offensive efforts from Newkirk, Medley, junior forward Chloe Morse and junior center Jordhan Peterson brought the Lady Rams within five points, but were unable to translate into a win. Jasmine Newkirk (15) drives to tlie basket during tlie Lady Rams game on Dec. 2. SAMt BAl 'Sr-“ Awarded to Lamar Monger Jordan Holloway Sports Reporter The junior shooting guard from Ahoskie, N.C., Lamar Monger, was chosen by his head coach to be the Gameball recipient for his magnificent play so far this season. "Lamar is a joy to watch and plays with so much passion," Head Coach Bobby Collins said. "It's an honor and a privilege to be chosen by my coach for this award," Monger said. Monger is the team's leading scorer with 16 points per game and is averaging four rebounds per contest. "It is a great asset when as a coach I can go to my bench and play one of my most explosive players," Collins said. Monger is a product of Hertford County High School where he was named the Northeastern Coastal Conference Player of the Year his senior season. Lady Rams remove stingers from WVSU Jackets, 68-54 Lady Trojans Lady Rams Teams Points Rebounds Assists Steals Turnovers WINSTON-SALEM, NC The Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (3-1) pulled out an impressive victory in the home opener defeating the West Virginia State University Yellow Jackets (2-4), 68-54 on Nov. 27. The Lady Rams won in a dominant performance, lead ing from start to finish. The Lady Rams used a balanced attack, led by sophomore guard Jasmine Newkirk with 15 points to pick up their first home win since the 2008-09 season. "In the past few years, we haven't had a home court advantage so it was good for us to get this win out of the way and relieve some of the pres sure from the returning young ladies who haven't had much success here." As a team, the Lady Rams gave a strong overall perfor mance and were especially impressive defensively as the team forced 29 Yellow Jacket turnovers. The Lady Rams also had a strong offensive perfor mance shooting a season-high 48 percent from the field and had 13 assists to only 16 turn overs. Junior guard Courtney Medley continued her great start to the season with 13 points and three rebounds. "We're starting to see more and more signs that the young ladies are playing hard," Joyner added. "I saw more effort in that tonight than we've seen in the first few games, especially in Monday's [Nov. 22] game at Cornell. I was impressive with the effort that the young ladies have been showing." In the first half, the Lady Rams had a strong effort on both ends of the floor and were able to take a 29-22 lead into halftime. The team got off to a good start and held off the Yellow Jackets until jumping out to an eight-point lead with just over six minutes left to play. The Lady Rams continued their push, building their lead to 10 points with just over a minute to play and took the seven-point lead into the locker room at the half. For the half, the Lady Rams were able to outrebound the Yellow Jackets, 17-15, and forced 16 turnovers. The second half was all Lady Rams as they continued their strong play from the first half, jumping out to a 12-point on a Newkirk three-pointer at the 15;14 mark. With the score, the Lady Rams jumped ahead of the Yellow Jackets, 43-31. WVSU was able to fight back, how ever, cutting the Lady Rams' lead down to five points with 6:49 left in the game. The defensive pressure paid off as some key Yellow Jacket turnovers led to a number of WSSU scores and left the Lady Rams with their largest lead of the game 66-50 with 1:39 left to play and were able to hold on for their third victory of the season. WSSU Athletics

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