Southwest Tennessee Gets Past Lady Greyhounds

By Chuck Livingston

The Evening Times Sports Editor

MSCC Sports Information

WEST MEMPHIS, Arkansas --- The short-handed MSCC Lady Greyhounds' return to action after Christmas break was not a happy one. 

Southwest Tennessee (6-7 overall) completed a season sweep against MSCC (4-10 overall) with a dominating 94-52 victory last night without the services of the Lady Greyhounds' top player. 

The Lady Saluqis had previously topped the Lady Greyhounds 99-94 in overtime last month. 

West Memphis native Kierra Adams missed the game against Southwest Tennessee with an illness, and her absence was felt in a major way. 

"We're just so little," MSCC head coach Andy Stoglin said after the game. "We're too small without her, and she needs some help."

In addition to Adams being out against a team that she posted a double-double against in December, MSCC shot just 28 percent from the field, and contrasted with Southwest Tennessee's solid 47 percent evening, it made for a long night for Stoglin's squad. 

"They've been playing over the holidays. I think they played three or four games during Christmas," explained Stoglin. "She sent two girls from out-of-state home, but the local girls stayed and practiced."

MSCC's rust was obvious early. Southwest Tennessee scored the game's first eight points and seized a 12-2 lead before Stoglin burned a timeout. 

The stoppage didn't help. MSCC hit just 8-of-28 shots from the field in the first half while Southwest Tennessee knocked down a steady 23-of-38 in the same frame. That was good for a 61 percent clip, and a 59-28 halftime advantage. 

The second half was more of the same as Southwest outscored MSCC 35-24 in the game's final 20 minutes to clinch the final. 

MSCC's field goal percentage was dreadful enough, but the Lady Greyhounds hit just 43 percent of their free throws, to boot.

"Our best free throw shooters missed most of our free throws," added Stoglin. 

Despite the sweep at the hands of the D 1 Southwest Tennessee squad, Stoglin's outlook for his team hadn't changed much as a result.

"We only have to beat North Arkansas to get to the tournament," said Stoglin of his team's biggest two games remaining on the schedule. "We should have plenty of time to get back into shape before we play North Ark." That game will be played on January 17 in Harrison and the Lady Pioneers will return the trip on February 14. 

MSCC was led in scoring by Sasha Giles' 16 points in 37 minutes of action. Giles also dished out 6 assists. Dominique Dillard pulled down 8 rebounds to lead MSCC. 

Southwest Tennessee put six in double-figures, led by Keoshia McGhee's 20 points and 16 rebounds, each of which were game-highs.