Lady Pirates Gain C-USA Road Win at UAB
February 21, 2003 | Women's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- East Carolina's Jennifer Jackson hit two free-throws with seven seconds left in the game to secure a 72-69 win for the Pirates (11-13, 3-8) over the Lady Blazers (8-16, 4-7) here on Friday night.
With 17.33 remaining in the game, UAB senior Michelle Smith hit a layup to record the 1,000th point of her career. Michelle Smith finished the night with her 10th double-double of the season, leading the Lady Blazers with 25 points and 14 rebounds.
"This was a huge loss for our team," said UAB head coach Jeannie Milling. "We began the game with a bad start, but in the second half we held ECU to five offensive boards. I think that we played a good solid game. Near the end of the game we had a chance to call time out or go against an unset defense. I went without calling a timeout. Unfortunately, we turned the ball over. We gave them too many second chances and had too many turnovers. A win tonight would have assured our team of at least the 12th spot in the conference tournament. Now, we have to do whatever it takes to get five conference wins. We have to keep working."
UAB has now lost five straight conference games.
After going on a 13-0 run, Natasha Thomas' jumper gave the Lady Blazers a 69-68 lead with 1:50 left in the game, only their second lead of the contest. However, UAB could not hold the lead, allowing Courtney Willis the go-ahead layup with 1:05 to play.
Natasha Thomas added 15 points and 13 rebounds for her 12th double-double of the year. Chantell Thomas had 11 points and a team-high five assists, while Netra Smith came off the bench for a career-high six points in 11 minutes of play.
ECU's Jackson scored 28 points to led all scorers, while Willis tallied 19 in the winning effort. The Pirates recorded 10 three-pointers, a season-high.
