Benedict takes SIAC Women's Title, 72-66, over Stillman
March 6, 2010
From Azeez Communications
Atlanta - Third-seeded Benedict jumped in front early and were never headed but had to beat back a determined effort from eighth seed Stillman to claim the 32nd Women’s SIAC Basketball Tournament championship with a 72-66 win Saturday evening at Morehouse College’s Forbes Arena in Atlanta.
Tournament MVP Brittany Jackson had a game-high 23 points and a team-high 14 rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers to the victory. Benedict (22-8) also got 10 points each from Bridget Williams, Charvev Holmes and Alexus Jones and scoring contributions from all ten of its players as it had during its run to the title.
By virtue of claiming the tournament title, the Lady Tigers earned the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Div. II South Region Tournament. The tournament field will be announced Sunday.
Benedict threatened a rout early, opening the first seven minutes of the game on a 15-3 run. But Stillman (15-15), who had staged the biggest surprises of the tournament by knocking off top-seed Fort Valley State in Wednesday’s quarterfinals and fourth seed Tuskegee in Friday’s semis, fought back getting to within 28-27 on a steal and layin by Alecia Young with 1:29 left in the half. Jackson would score her team’s last five points to send Benedict into the locker room up 33-29. Jackson had 12 points in the half while Charvez Holmes had 8. Young’s 13 led Stillman.
The second half turned into a nailbiter though Stillman never drew even or took the lead. The closest it would come was at 64-63 on a steal and layin by Stillman’s Jamila McKinnis with 1:42 left and again at 66-65 30 seconds later on Siera Dority’s two free throws.
But Benedict’s Sherika Autry drilled a corner jumper with 53 seconds left to push the lead back to three at 68-65. Young had two opportunities from long range to tie the score that missed. Her free throw with 27.7 seconds left pulled them within 68-66 but it was to be their last score. Holmes iced it for Benedict with two free throws with 24.1 seconds left.
Young was a beast inside for Stillman, finishing with 20 points. McKinnis added 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Dority and Brittney Jenkins added 14 and 12 points respectively.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
Tequila Martin, Tuskegee
Alecia Young, Stillman
Jamilla McKinnis, Stillman
Jessica Vaughn, Kentucky State
Brittany Jackson, Benedict
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Brittany Jackson, Benedict
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