North Georgia (9-6, 3-3 PBC) trailed by just five points at the half and traded baskets with the host Bearcats early on but could not keep pace with a very hot Lander squad that now holds sole possession of the PBC East Division.
Battling an ankle injury all evening, Jaymee Carnes never got going. Scoring just five points and grabbing only three rebounds, the nation's leading scorer was held in check early and often by the pressure of the Bearcats.
Applying full court pressure for nearly the entire game, Lander forced the visiting Lady Saints into 21 turnovers, the unfortunate result of a young team.
The Lady Saints battled all night, but it was an 11-0 run midway through the second half that buried North Georgia.
Stephanie Huffman led the Lady Saints with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Huffman was the consistent player in all 40 minutes for North Georgia, while she also added five assists and three steals.
Head coach Buffie Burson also got 18 points off the bench from Jasmine Manning, who has played very well in back to back games. The junior knocked down jump shot after jump shot and essentially brought the Lady Saints back into the game to close out the first half.
In the end it was too much pressure and the balanced scoring of Lander that led to North Georgia's downfall.
The Bearcats (12-3, 7-0 PBC) who still remain perfect in conference, saw five players in double figures, while 10 players all played significant time.
Lander was led by Mukia Myrick who finished with 17 points, while Janyce Ealey and Jasmine Judge each finished with 16 points apiece. Judge knocked down four three-pointers, right on her nation-leading average for the season.
Outside shooting plagued North Georgia from the very start as they only converted on four of their 14 three-point attempts. The Lady Saints did however shoot 80 percent (8-10) from the free throw line.
Another tough road game is on tap for the Lady Saints, as they will now travel to USC Aiken to battle the 11th-ranked Pacers on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/1/245081