Lady Texans Defeat Clarendon in Overtime

CLARENDON, Texas - The South Plains College Lady Texans improved their record to 16-3 overall and 3-0 in Western Junior College Athletic Conference play by defeating the Clarendon College Lady Bulldogs 65-61 in overtime.

After taking a 20-11 lead midway into the first half, the Lady Texans allowed Clarendon to scratch their way back into the game.  Led by eight first half points by Rachel Gray, the Lady Texans went to the locker room with a 29-24 lead.

Seven minutes into the second half, the Lady Texans led by only two points.  South Plains College then went on a 8-0 run to take a ten point lead with less than eight minutes to go.  The Lady Bulldogs did not quit and fought their way back into the game, even taking their first lead of the game with 4:26 to go.  Trailing 51-50, the Lady Texans kept playing hard and regained a three point lead with only twelve seconds to go.  However, Dayon Hall-Jones fouled Clarendon guard Alex Ray as she attempted a 3-pointer and sent Ray to the line for three free-throw attempts.  Ray made all three shots and the Lady Texans were unable to score again before the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime.

Plagued by foul trouble throughout the game, sophomore Taniqua Ards nailed four important free throws in the extra period, the last set giving South Plains a four point lead with just over a minute to play.  After Clarendon converted a layup to bring the game within two, Samiesha Williams returned the favor with thirty seconds left to seal the victory at 65-61.

The Lady Texans were led by sophomore Rachel Gray who scored 18 points and also had 10 rebounds.  After a slow start to the game, Taniqua Ards scored all 14 of her points in the second half.  Ards also added a game high 12 rebounds.  Also for SPC, Sajoyia Griffin scored nine points, and Samiesha Williams added eight.  Dayon Hall-Jones and Chasity Workman each chipped in with seven points, while Workman also pulled down eleven rebounds, and McKinsie East added two points.

The Lady Texans next play Thursday, January 15 when they travel to Midland College.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. and will be aired live on KLVT 1230 AM andwww.hprnetwork.com.