Solid Shooting Effort Nets Lady Reddies 70-63 Win over Cotton Blossoms

Courtesy Henderson State University Athletics Department

ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – The Henderson State women’s basketball team shot over 50% from the field in both halves of Saturday’s basketball game against the University of Arkansas-Monticello as the Lady Reddies earned a 70-63 win inside the friendly confines of the Duke Wells Center.

The Lady Reddies (10-7, 5-6 GAC), who quickly fell behind in the game 4-0, used an 8-0 run to take the lead and subsequent control of the game. The initial lead change, which came on a Destiny Smith layup at the 16:07 mark of the first half, would be the game’s final lead change as the Lady Reddies would not trail the remainder of the game.

Building a lead as large as 10 points in the first half, the Lady Reddies would close out the half with a five-point lead, 32-27.

The Cotton Blossoms (3-14, 1-10 GAC) would pull the game to a single possession as Catherine Puckett knocked down a jumper in the paint to begin scoring in the second half. The Lady Reddies would respond to this challenge of their lead as Smith and Krystal Beachum scored consecutive baskets to push Henderson back to a comfortable lead of seven points, 36-29.

After weathering that threat by the Cotton Blossoms early in the second half, the Lady Reddies would again see their lead dwindle to a single possession as UAM pulled to within two points, 52-50, with 7:43 remaining. Just as they did the first time, the Lady Reddies responded to the UAM threat by going on a run to preserve their lead and to regain control of the game.

HSU would extend their lead to as much as 14 points before ending the game with a seven-point margin of victory, 70-63.

Three Lady Reddies would score in double figures with Destiny Smith leading the way with 26 points. For Smith, the 26-point effort sets a new career high and is the third time in her last four games in which she has set a new mark. Smith also secured her seventh double-double of the year as she hauled in a team-high 11 rebounds.

Behind Smith in scoring were Dulincia Keener with 13 points and Aungelique Sledge with 12 points. Sledge would lead the team with five assists and four steals.

The Lady Reddies will now take to the road for an Oklahoma swing with their first game coming against East Central University on Thursday, January 31st. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 5:30 pm.