Wednesday, February 07, 2007

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (Feb. 7, 2007) - After back-to-back heartbreaking losses in Nashville last weekend, the ETSU women's basketball team will look to get snap its two-game skid and get back into the win column when they host Gardner-Webb Thursday night inside Memorial Center. Tip is scheduled for 7 p.m.

ETSU (12-9, 8-3 A-Sun) lost back-to-back games in Nashville last weekend as they could not bounce Belmont from its first-place post and then were shocked by Lipscomb on Saturday. Despite leading for 17 minutes in the second half against the Lady Bisons, the Lady Bucs could not overcome the hot shooting from Penny Jones and Catie Woods as they scored 44 of Lipscomb's 57 points. Brooke Wilhoit (Sevierville) and Michele DeVault (Columbus, Ohio) each added a team-high 11 points for ETSU. Freshman Siarre Evans (Griffin, Ga.) is happy to return to Memorial Center where she is averaging a double-double with 18.4 ppg along with 10.0 rpg.

After being blown out by 25 points to Belmont (77-52) back on Jan. 25, the Runnin' Bulldogs have rebounded nicely as they have posted a season-high three-game winning streak. During the stretch Gardner-Webb (9-13, 6-5 A-Sun) has beat Lipscomb, Jacksonville and UNF, all coming at home. Shameka Smith posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds in the Runnin' Bulldogs most recent win over UNF (57-54). Candyse Kelly who is averaging 12.5 ppg, and Smith who is posting 8.8 rebounds a night lead Gardner-Webb.  

ETSU picked up its first-ever win over Gardner-Webb earlier this season when the Lady Bucs defeated the Runnin' Bulldogs, 81-68 on Jan. 13. The Lady Bucs had four players reach double figures in the win, as junior Jenny Norman (Peachtree City, Ga.) led the pack with 16 points. Candyse Kelly scored a team-high 16 points, all of them coming in the second half after being held out during the first frame. Gardner-Webb swept the season series last year.

For more information on the Lady Bucs please visit www.ETSUBucs.com or click on the game notes link above.