Lady Bucs Complete Season Sweep of East Mississippi

Tuscaloosa- The Shelton State women's basketball team moved to 8-1 after an 84-48 win over the East Mississippi Lady Lions.

The Lady Bucs were once again led by sophomore Julie Nekolna as she posted her third consecutive 20-point game finishing with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Makala Hobdy neared a triple-double with an 11 point, 9 assist, and 7 rebound performance and freshman Alana Obianozie scored 13 points to go along with 7 boards. Arissa Jenkins also finished in double figures, scoring 11. Jaylen Pleasant pitched in 8 points and A'Iyonna Kimble chipped in 5 points.

Shelton State struggled early, shooting just 23% in the first quarter but converted 7 of their 8 attempts from the free throw line to hold a 3-point lead after the first period (13-10). "We struggled to hit easy shots in the first quarter and that got of us out of rhythm," said head coach Madonna Thompson. The Lady Bucs turned the corner in the second quarter as they outscored the Lady Lions by 10 (21-11) as Julie Nekolna posted 7 points in the quarter.

The 2^nd half saw the Lady Bucs change their fortune as they shot 59% from the field in the second half as they increased their lead to 26 after the 3^rd quarter. Arissa Jenkins hit the Lady Bucs first 3 pointer with just 1:15 to play in the 3^rd quarter, breaking a 0-7 spell that lasted nearly 30 minutes. The Lady Bucs shot 64% from the field in the 4^th quarter as they grew their lead once again to 36. "They (East Mississippi) did a great job running us off the 3-point line, but we still got several good looks that have to go for us," said head coach Madonna Thompson. "Credit to coach Butler and his staff for putting together a solid game plan, but I am proud of our team's response in the 2^nd half."

The Lady Bucs return to action on Saturday, December 14^th, as they host #8 Three Rivers at 5:00 PM.