2004 NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball South Atlantic Regional

Saturday, March 13, 2004 - Semifinals

AUGUSTA STATE WINS ROLLER COASTER RIDE OVER LADY PIRATES

RALEIGH, NC – Augusta State University had all the answers during a 79-74 victory over Armstrong Atlantic State University in the semifinals of the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball South Atlantic Regional Tournament at Spaulding Gymnasium on the campus of Shaw University in Raleigh, NC.

The No. 8 seed Lady Jaguars never trailed, but the contest was a roller coaster ride. Augusta State enjoyed a handful of comfortable leads, only to have AASU storm back and narrow the gap each time. However, with each charge the Lady Pirates made, Augusta State responded with a big basket or a run of their own.

Four Lady Jaguar starters accounted for 66 of the team’s 79 points. Junior forward Cheryl Audain led the way with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Latoya Renwrick tallied 17 points and nine rebounds, Alshaa’ Hodges contributed 16 points and five assists, and Ernesia Wideman added 13 points and three steals for Augusta State (23-7).

“I’m proud of our team,” said Augusta State head coach Greg Wilson.  “To be a team that was talked about the possibility of not being here, I think we’re playing pretty well.  I thought that this was possibly one of the toughest coaching jobs that I’ve had, to try to get up after last night (defeating top-seed Shaw).”

“I was pleased,” Wilson added. “We came out with the same fire.  I was really pleased with the first half.  In the second half I think our tongues were dragging and we just couldn’t guard anybody, but that’s to be expected playing two days in a row, emotional games, on the road.”

Armstrong Atlantic State (23-8) was topped by senior guard Tasha Washington with a game-high 25 points, including 23 in the second half after picking up two quick fouls in just six minutes of action in the first stanza. Alicia Durham chipped in 16 points for the Lady Pirates, and Kaneetha Gordon added 14 points and six boards.

Through the first 15 minutes of play, the game was tied twice and Augusta State ’s lead was only as big as seven points. The margin was 26-22 after a three-pointer by AASU’s Briana Milam at 5:19 , but Augusta State scored the next eight points, including six from Audain, to go ahead 34-22 with 2:08 before the break. The score was 36-27 at the half.

Out of the locker room, Augusta State pushed the lead to 43-31 at 16:26 . The Lady Pirates posted a 13-2 run, with 11 points courtesy of Washington , to pull within 45-44 at 12:54 .

Moments later, the Lady Jaguars scored five unanswered points, all on free throws, to get some breathing room, 52-46, at 10:41. AASU rallied again to tie the game at 56-56 at 7:49 .

Augusta State pushed the margin to four points before an old-fashioned three-point play by Washington cut the deficit to 62-61 at 5:58 . The Lady Jaguars responded to take a 73-64 lead at 2:30, before still another surge by AASU pulled the Lady Pirates to with three points, 74-71, with 41 seconds left. The deficit was again three points, 77-74, after a jumper by Durham with 20 ticks remaining, but a pair of free throws by Brandi Hollingsworth with 14 seconds on the clock proved to be the final blow.

“Obviously, we’re disappointed that we weren’t able to move on, but it’s been a heck of a year,” said AASU head coach Roger Hodge. “I’m so proud of what our kids have been able to accomplish in the face of a lot of adversity early on in the year. Although this is a heartbreaking, disappointing loss I am so happy for them and proud of what they were able to accomplish.”

The No. 8 seed Lady Jaguars advance to the regional championship game against No. 2 seed Georgia College & State University on Monday (March 15) at 7:00 p.m.

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