Lovin' Eleven!

LUBBOCK, Texas (January 19, 2011) - No.9 Lubbock Christian University closed their game on a 10-2 run and received 25 points from Emily Atkins, as the Lady Chaparrals extended their win streak to 11 games with an 87-70 victory over Rogers State University Thursday night in Sooner Athletic Conference play inside Rip Griffin Center.  The 11-game win streak is the longest under ninth-year head coach Steve Gomez for the Lady Chaps.

The game opened up as a three-point contest, as the teams combined for five three-pointers off the first five field goals made.  The Hillcats jumped out to a 6-1 lead early, but LCU eventually rebounded with a 7-0 run to take a 20-15 lead.  After the Hillcats tied the game at 22-22, LCU went on an 11-0 run for a 33-22 advantage.  The Lady Chaps received 10 points from Brittany Roberts in the half and it helped LCU take a 45-33 halftime lead.

The two teams mostly traded baskets in the second half.  The lead never exceeded more than a 16 point advantage for LCU and it did not get into single digits until a Leah Smith three-pointer for RSU with 3:42 remaining made the score 77-68.  That is when LCU responded closing the game on a 10-2 run.

Smith led RSU with 17 points, with 14 coming in the second half.  They also had a double-double from Gianna Woods, who had 16 points and 13 rebounds.  Atkins, who produced 18 points in the second half, led a foursome of players that finished in double figures for LCU.  Kelsey Canavan set a career high with 15 rebounds to go along with 16 points for her fourth double-double of the season. Nicole Hampton had her 12^th consecutive game of at least 10 points, finishing with 16 points.  She went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line to extend her program record streak of consecutive free-throws made to 48.  Roberts finished with 15 points.

The Lady Chaps dominated the boards, out-rebounding RSU 47-31.  They also out-scored RSU 36-20 in points in the paint and 35-12 in points from the line.  LCU is now 10-0 in SAC play and 13-3 overall.  It is their longest win streak since winning a program record 13 straight under Miles Waters in the 1996/1997 season.  Rogers fell to 12-7 overall and 6-5 in the SAC, as the loss ended a three-game win streak.  LCU remains home Saturday to host John Brown at 1 p.m. inside Rip Griffin Center.