See Emily Play

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (December 1, 2011) - Emily Atkins posted 26 points and she was one of four Lady Chaparrals to post double figures, as she led No.17 Lubbock Christian University to a 61-58 road victory over John Brown University in the Lady Chaps Sooner Athletic Conference opener.

The Lady Chaps and Golden Eagles were tied at 15-15 nine minutes into the contest, and then John Brown went on a 10-3 run to take a 25-18 lead with 7:27 remaining.  The JBU run did not show any signs of coming to a halt, but it did from that point on in the half.  The Golden Eagles did not score in the final 7:27 of the half, while LCU went on a 13-0 run to close the half with a 31-25 lead.  Atkins posted 18 of her 26 points in the opening half.

She hit a three-pointer following a Nicole Hampton jumper to add to the run in the second half and it provided LCU with a 36-25 lead.  The run eventually ended 2:59 into the second half with a JBU free-throw to close the LCU run at 18-0 over a span of 10:26.  JBU would end up clawing back.  Lauren Rogers heaved a three-point shot with the shot clock expiring and the ball banked off the glass and in to cap a 10-0 run to tie the game at 41-41 with 9:45 remaining. Tied 43-43, Hampton hit a bucket in the paint to help LCU regain the lead at 45-43 and JBU would get no closer the final seven minutes.  Trailing 59-56 in the final minute, the Golden Eagles had a chance to tie the game, but Brittany Roberts got a steal to seal the victory.

LCU is now 8-1 in SAC openers under head coach Steve Gomez and their eighth consecutive win in openers.  Atkins, who was 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, not only led all scorers with 26 points, but she led LCU with six rebounds.  She was supported by 12 points from Hampton and 10 points each from Kelsey Canavan and Roberts.  Hampton had five steals and six assists to go along with her 12 points.  JBU was led in the losing effort by Chelsea Garrison, who had 18 points.  Jessica Berlin totaled 12 points for JBU, with all of them coming in the second half.

The win places LCU with a 4-3 overall mark and a 1-0 SAC record.  JBU falls to 4-4 overall and 0-2 in the conference.  LCU remains on the road Saturday and they travel to Claremore, Okla. to face Rogers State University.