Box Score
NICEVILLE, Fla. – The Lady Chargers poured in 22 second-chance points in the game, but none more important than junior
Natalie Kelley's tip-in at the buzzer to give the University of Alabama in Huntsville women's basketball team (22-5) its first-ever GSC Tournament victory as the squad defeated West Georgia (10-17), 59-57, on Thursday afternoon at The Arena.
The Lady Chargers trailed 41-30 with just over 15 minutes to play but went on a 17-6 run over the next six minutes to knot the contest at 47-47. From there, it was a back-and-forth battle with the Wolves as the game was still tied with 1:30 remaining. UAH and UWG traded lay-ups within nine seconds of each other to move the score to 57-57 with 26 seconds left.
Waiting for the final shot, UAH handed the ball to sophomore guard
Jasmine Hammon at the top of the key with seven seconds. Hammon's attempt ricocheted off the backboard but was caught by Kelley who tipped in the winning shot with one second on the clock to give UAH the victory, and advance the Lady Chargers to the semifinals of the GSC Tournament.
Kelley was named the Quality Inn Player of the Game for her efforts. The Hanceville, Ala., native scored 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting, and grabbed six rebounds in the game to go along with two blocks and two steals.
Also posting in double figures with a game-high 14 points was Hammon, while junior
Bailee Robinson and freshman
Shannon Steinert both added 11 points as well.
UAH jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead to start the game before a 14-2 UWG run swayed the momentum to the Wolves' favor as they led 16-11 with 8:32 left in the first half. The Lady Chargers tied the game twice in the opening half but again, UWG closed the half on an 11-3 run, heading to the break up on UAH, 31-23.
Trailing by 11 with 15 minutes left in the game, UAH mounted its furious comeback. UAH and UWG battled through three lead changes and four ties over the final nine minutes but the Lady Chargers landed the final blow with Kelley's tip-in to emerge with the victory.
Now with 22 wins on the year, the 2011-12 UAH women have tied the second-most wins (1981-82) in program history. The 1982-83 squad is the only team with more wins as that group claimed 27 victories.
The Lady Chargers will face the winner of Thursday night's North Alabama versus Valdosta State game in the tournament's second semifinal game Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. CST with the game being broadcast LIVE on PSBLive and aired on 97.7 FM The Zone.
