After blowing a 17-point lead against Eastern New Mexico, the Lions survived and advanced with a 77-70 win in the Lone Star Conference tournament Friday evening.
Princess Davis put the Lions on the board first with a three-pointer and didn’t let up. She led all scorers with 25 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds. She’s leaving it all on the court after being chosen second team all-conference. Saturday she’ll become the Lions all-time leader in games played, men’s or women’s.
“I know where I belong, so I’m just going to show everybody,” said Davis.
Early on the Lions offense clicked in the first half but three-pointers kept ENMU in the contest.
‘Splash Sisters’, Chania Wright, Alexus Jones, and Davis, put on a show at the end of the first quarter giving the Lions a comfortable 23-11 lead heading into the second quarter.
Davis scored at the buzzer to end the first half with 14 points, giving the Lions a 42-30 lead.
Run the Court
The crowd enjoyed a rollercoaster half full of runs. The Lions started the second half flat allowing the Greyhounds to go on a 6-0 run. ENMU chipped away at the deficit to close in on a 46-40 Lions lead. A 9-0 third-quarter run gave the Lions a much-needed boost to close out the third quarter, 59-42.
Despite a late Greyhounds rally in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to advance. Davis sealed their fate with a clutch layup, 30 seconds left in the contest.
“I came in with the mindset that it was all or nothing,” said Davis. “I tried to do whatever I can to give my team the lead and help my team out. My teammates had my back, it was only right that I had theirs.”
Head Coach Jason Burton has accomplished his second 20-win season in three seasons with the win over ENMU.
“This is a team that doesn’t get rattled and they’re going to play hard till the end, no different than today,” said Burton. “Princess was on a mission, just what she’s done over her career, to play in a game like that.”
The Lions next game is Saturday in a semifinal matchup against No. 1 seed West Texas A&M, 6 p.m. at the Comerica Arena. Don’t forget to catch all Lions action on KETR.org and KETR 88.9 FM.