Women's Basketball Opens With Win
November 17, 2007

The University of Texas at Tyler women’s basketball team kicked off its 2007-2008 campaign with a 69-68 win over Louisiana State-Shreveport on Saturday night at the Herrington Patriot Center.

The Patriots came out of the gate firing on all cylinders and lead throughout much of the first half.  In the last five minutes of the first stanza, momentum would switch to the Lady Pilots, as they took a 32-31 led into halftime.

After the break the Patriots would once again start strong and started the half on a 21-3 run.  As in the first half, LSU-Shreveport would battle back to eventually tie the game on a jumper from freshman Callie Daviswith just 10 seconds left in the game.  On the subsequent play, the Patriots were met with swarming defense until freshman LaTiandra Smith (Jacksonville, Texas) finally broke free. Smith took the ball down the court for what looked to be an easy layup when she was fouled by Pilot senior Edie Leonards.  With the foul, Smith headed to the line with two free throws and the game tied at 68.  Smith would miss the first shot, but hit the second to give the Patriots the 69-68 lead.  After the free throw, the Lady Pilots were unable to get off a shot and UT Tyler held on for the 69-68 win.

Senior Kasey Buggs (Lake Dallas, Texas) led all scorers with 20 points, shooting 10-for-13 from the field.  Freshman Lindsay Eaton (Austin, Texas) nearly notched a double-double in her first-ever collegiate game as she scored 16 points and pulled down eight rebounds.  Freshman Marci Trogus (Houston, Texas) also reached double digits for the Patriots scoring 10 points, while sophomore Alyssa Ploof (Plano, Texas) had a game high six assists.  The six assists tied a career high for Ploof. 

The game marked only the second time in program history that the Patriots opened their season with a win. With the loss, LSU Shreveport fell to 1-3 on the season.

The Patriots return to action next weekend as they compete in the Southwestern University-Austin College Classic in Georgetown, Texas.  UT Tyler will open play in the Classic on Friday against Austin College.  Game time is set for 1 p.m.

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