Women's Basketball Downs Lamar at Air Force Classic
12/2/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
The Air Force women's basketball team won its opening game of the Air Force Classic tournament, defeating Lamar (Texas) 68-59 at the Clune Arena. Four players finished the game in double figures, as the Falcons had its highest scoring output of the season.
The Falcons used the deep shot to gain the early advantage. The team was eight of 17 from three-point range in the first half, including back-to-back-to-back treys to give Air Force a 10-point advantage with 5:04 remaining in the half. The team led the remainder of the game, as a tenacious defense stifled any Lamar comeback hopes.
Morgan Bennett tied a career high, scoring 17 points to pace the Falcons. Ali Tomlinson finished the game with 11 points, while Wendy Stillman and Rozalyn Russ scored 10 points apiece. Russ led the team on the boards, grabbing seven rebounds. Tomlinson had six steals and a career-high eight assists for Air Force.
The Falcons defense, which had a season-high 15 steals, kept Lamar's shooters out of double figures in scoring. Kristen Tofte and Nakita Miles led the Lady Cardinals with nine points each.
Air Force will play North Texas in the Classic's championship game. North Texas shot 47 percent from the field to defeat UAB 67-54 in the tournament's first game. Three players finished the game in double figures in scoring for North Texas, led by Nicole Thomas with 15 points. UAB's Deanna Jackson, an all-American candidate, finished the game with 20 points and 12 rebounds.
Tip off for the championship game is set for 3 p.m. Dec. 2 at Clune Arena. The consolation game between Lamar and UAB will begin at 1 p.m.
