Defense Carries SSU Past Bennett

February 9, 2008
SAVANNAH, GA- Savannah State jumped out to a 29-9 lead and never looked back as the Lady Tigers defeated Bennett at Tiger Arena.

The contest was labeled "Think Pink Day". The Lady Tigers partnered with the Women's Basketball Coaches Association in the "Think Pink" initiative in support of breast cancer awareness.

At halftime, SSU recognized members of the university family who are breast cancer survivors. Being honored were jean Ann Caywood, director of auxiliary services; Linda Crossman, university registrar; and LaSonya Stovall, general manager of university village. Stovall is also a SSU alumnae and a former Lady Tiger assistant basketball coach.

It also marked the return to Savannah State by Bennett coach John Williams. Williams was the men's basketball coach at SSU from 1990 to 1995.

Ivy Smith came off the bench to lead SSU with a game-high 19 points, six assists and six steals. Antoinette Williams added 17 points.

With the score 2-1, SSU went on a 13-2 run to open up a 12 point lead with 12:51 left in the first half. The lead increased to 20 points after a jumper by Ivy Smith with 5:49 remaining.

SSU ended the half with runs of 7-0 and 9-0 and led 45-13 at the break.

The Lady Tigers shot 54.8 percent from the floor in the opening half while holding Bennett to 27.8 percent.

Bennett's Sharhonda Laboard started the second period with a trio of 3-pointers to pull Bennett to within 29 with 15:41 left but SSU's defense held Bennett to just two field goals the rest of the way as the Lady Tigers ended the contest with a 23-6 run en route to the 46 point victory.

Laboard led Bennett (15-7) with 15 points.

Bennett shot 24 percent from the floor in the second half while SSU dipped to make just 12-of-32 shots.

SSU (12-12) out-rebounded Bennett 45 to 27 and forced Bennett to commit 34 turnovers.