Dec. 20, 2008
NASSAU, Bahamas – Jacqua Williams scored 16 of her career-high 20 points in the second half to lead the No. 25 Georgia Tech women’s basketball team (10-2) to a 63-56 win over UT-Arlington (4-6) in the championship game of the Bahamas Sunsplash Shootout Saturday.
Williams went nine-of-10 from the free-throw line, dished out five assists and had four steals on her way to being named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. Alex Montgomery, who finished with 15 points and five rebounds, was named to the All-Tournament Team.
“Jacqua stepped up huge for our team today,” head coach MaChelle Joseph said. “She put the team on her back and led us to the win. That is what I expect from a senior guard. She showed a lot of poise and composure down the stretch and her defensive plays were huge for us.
“I give UT-Arlington a lot of credit. They are a well coached athletic team who will have a lot success this year.”
The Mavericks came out ready to run with the Yellow Jackets, taking an early 11-6 lead but Tech responded with a 9-4 run of their own to move ahead 15-14 with 10:55 left in the first half. The Jackets opened up a 10 point advantage with a minute remaining in the half but UT-Arlington was able to get four quick points in the final minute to cut the Jackets halftime lead to 32-26.
UT-Arlington would continue to push Tech in the second half but behind Williams’ stellar play, the Jackets were able to hang on for the championship victory.
The Yellow Jackets shot 80 percent from the free-throw line and connected on nine-of-12 free-throws down the stretch.
The Mavericks were led by Candice Champion, who scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Shlyn Martin added 14 points and seven rebounds.
The Yellow Jackets will take some time off for the holidays before returning to the Alexander Memorial Coliseum on Dec. 30th, when they host Florida A&M at 6 p.m. The women’s game is part of a doubleheader with the Georgia Tech men, who will face Tennessee State at 8:30 p.m.
– RamblinWreck.com –
