The Lady Lions basketball team traveled to Oral Roberts University on Saturday, Feb. 8 to play against the Golden Eagles. The game was held in the Mabee Center on Oral Roberts homecoming. Southeastern fell short against their opponents of Oral Roberts University (7-14, 6-5 SLC), ending the game with a final score of 81-78.
The Lady Lions (6-16,5-5 SLC) trailed with as many as 23 points in the first half and were shooting 7-for-10 behind the arc while attempting 30 free throws whilst connecting on 21-of-33 attempts.
Head Coach Lori Davis Jones noted the team started off with well-rounded strengths in the beginning, which were all showcased throughout the duration of the game.
“As soon as we ran out we showed great mental toughness and attitude,” said Jones. “We continued to chip away very evidently, we just have to keep that mind on the game and continue to play mentally and physically against our opponents.”
Junior guard Elizabeth Styles led the team with 19 points and sophomore forward Nanna Pool with 13 points and 10 rebounds, also while possessing her ninth double-double of the season. Junior guard Symone Miller with 15 points, senior forward Aja Gibson with 14 points and lastly, sophomore guard Erica Hernandez with 11 points.
Despite their loss, Jones believes with the proper improvements, it will strengthen the team as a whole and better them all in the long run.
“Basically some improvements we should work on are the basics of the game, guarding the ball and continuing to become better,” said Jones. “Overall, the defensive side has to pick in order to create a fierce competitiveness.”
Oral Roberts played hard the first half of the game with a 23 point lead. The Golden Eagles were put in the lead with a final score of 44-34 manageable deficit. ORU took the lead with an added on 15 points with 13:04 left. Gibson managed a lay-up, while Miller knocked down two free throws placing the score to 72-70 placing the Lady Lions in the lead with 3:01 remaining on the clock. On the next possession, Styles earned a turnover which gave ORU an advantage with the ball with only five seconds remaining.
The Lady Lions will face McNeese State on Thursday, Feb. 13 in the University Center and Jones sees a silver lining within her team.
“In order to successfully win against McNeese on Thursday night we plan to work defensively and use our similarities from the previous time we’ve played them as our advantage,” said Jones. “Some change-ups and schemes will be strategized including our offensive performance.”
The Lady Lions will return back to University Center on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. to face off against Nicholls State. Lady Lion’s games are broadcasted live on KSLU-FM (90.9) and on www.lionsports.net.