Charity Stripe Unkind to Lady Reddies in 90-81 Loss

Courtesy HSU Athletics Department

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Henderson State women’s basketball team was 1-of-6 in the second half from the free throw line and shot just 44% for the game as the Lady Reddies were handed a 90-81 loss by visiting Southwestern Oklahoma State on Thursday night at the Duke Wells Center. 

The Lady Reddies (8-6, 3-5 GAC), who had four players score at least 14 points, were unable to translate that offensive production into a win as they ran into a pair of stellar offensive performances put on by Michelle Fisher and Sarah Mendoza of Southwestern Oklahoma. The duo combined to score over half of the Lady Bulldogs’ (10-4, 5-3 GAC) points as their scoring output equaled 54 points. 

Perhaps a more significant statistic from Thursday night’s game came from the free throw line. For the game, Southwestern Oklahoma attempted 38 free throws and made good on 27 of those attempts (71%). On the other end of the court, Henderson attempted 18 free throws and made good on just eight of those attempts (44%). The disparity in attempts and free throw percentage combined to hinder the Lady Reddies’ attempt at collecting the victory at home. 

Destiny Smith would lead the Lady Reddies in scoring as she poured in a career-high 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting. Smith also led the team in rebounding with eight. Behind Smith in scoring was Krystal Beachum with a 15-point night, one point shy of her season average. Beachum has now scored double figures in 12 of the 14 games she has played so far this season. Just behind Beachum in scoring were Sheay Longstaff and Jill Temples. The pair of seniors each scored 14 points. 

The Lady Reddies will now shift their focus to Saturday afternoon as they will play host to Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Tip-off for the GAC tilt is set for 2:00 p.m.