JACKSON, Tenn. - Senior Kayce Addison scored the biggest basket of her college career and coach Marty Rowe posted his 300th coaching victory as the Lady Flames advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NAIA National Women's Basketball Tournament by defeating Langston (Okla.), 65-63.
The Lady Flames and Lady Lions were deadlocked at 63 when Addison slipped inside to grab a missed shot. She went back up and scored only her fourth point of the game, but one that allowed Lee to live another day and face Oklahoma Baptist on Friday afternoon at 1:30 in Oman Arena.
Rowe was denied his 300th win in the final round of the SSAC tournament, but his ladies responded to an even bigger challenge on Thursday against Langston, a team Rowe said had been under-rated the entire year.
All-American Katie Nelson carried a huge load in the victory for Lee. She finished the afternoon with 27 points and 12 rebounds, her 13th double-double of the season. In the final seven minutes, Nelson scored nine of Lee's 12 points including a key 3-pointer.
The Lady Lions appeared to have Lee on the ropes with 4:40 remaining in the contest, up 63-58. Nelson scored back-to-back baskets to make it a one-point game and then it was time for Addison to step in and be the hero. Her score put Lee up 64-63 and Angela Spann tallied a free throw in the last six seconds to help secure the victory.
"It was a great game," said coach Rowe. "I'm proud of our team. Both teams competed like crazy and our girls battled on both ends of the floor. Langston was a very athletic and physical team. It took a team effort to produce this victory and that was to be expected. Nothing has been easy for this team the entire year. I'm pleased we out-rebounded Langston, a team that had been out-rebounding their opponents by nine the entire year."
The Lady Flames (29-5) got 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and a steal from junior Brooke McKinnon. They shot 36 percent from the field, 29 percent from 3-point range and were 16-of-21 from the free-throw line. Lee had only five turnovers the entire second half and completed the contest with 13 floor mistakes.
For the losers, Latesha Woods was the leading point-getter with 15. Stephanie Madden was tough inside with 13 points and 16 rebounds. Ashlea Gray tallied 10 points. Sanetra Jackson, the Lady Lions leading scorer, played only 10 minutes and was held scoreless. Langston shot 34 percent from the field, 28 percent from behind the arc and converted 14-of-17 freebies. They committed just 12 turnovers.
"We will face a very good team in Oklahoma Baptist," pointed out Rowe. "At this point in the tournament, anything is possible. We will just ask for the same type of effort on Friday."