As they have one all season after losing a game the Lady Govs were able to handle their business at home against Central Arkansas (5-2) with a 81-60 victory. Sophomore Tiasha Gray continued her stellar play with a career high 28 points on 13-20 from the field. Sophomore forward Jennifer Nwokocha had a near double-double performance with 14 points and eight rebounds on the night.
“We all played pretty good tonight and our shot was just falling tonight,” said Forward Jennifer Nwokocha after being named player of the game. “This whole team has the same mindset, we know what we are trying to achieve and we know each time we step out on the floor we want to win which helps us moving forward because we all have the same goal.”
In their previous home game versus Evansville the Lady Govs struggled to get key stops on the defensive end of the court. That was not a problem against Central Arkansas as the Lady Govs forced 17 turnovers and held their opponent to shooting 35% from the floor for the game. On top of the great defensive performance, the Lady Govs shot a blistering 59% from the floor for the game and had 44 of their 81 points come from in the paint.
“It was so great to come out here and from tip to buzzer really play well and finish the game,” said Head Coach Carrie Daniels. “We went back and watch the film from last game and really corrected the problems we had in that game against Evansville.”
A big portion of the Lady Govs offensive success against Central Arkansas can be contributed to the new style of offense that is being ran by the team. The motion offense, or better known by basketball fans as the Triangle offense made popular by Phil Jackson in his stents with the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, caused problems for Central Arkansas all game as the crisp passing lead to quality shots that helped the Lady Govs shoot the ball so well.
“What was seen tonight was just one aspect of our motion style offense,” said Daniels. “We have been getting better with our offense all season and it was great to come out here tonight and execute it so well.”
The Lady Govs now prepare for the tough part of their non-conference schedule as their next five out of seven games are on the road and they will face quality opponents the likes of Middle Tennessee State, Xavier, Louisville, and Mississippi. The current five-game home stand for the Lady Govs comes to and end this Wednesday, December 4, at 11 A.M. as the Middle Tennessee State Blue Radiers come to the Dunn for a non conference matchup. The Blue Raiders have played a tough schedule to date that includes the University of Tennessee and will provide at tough test for the Lady Govs.
