The first half was closely contested as the Lady Pilots and Gold Nuggets were tied six different times in the first half until the Lady Pilots were able to take the lead with 6:21 to play in the half. After the two-point basket by Valerie Huizar, the Lady Pilots held the lead for the rest of the half as their lead grew as large as eight points.
The Lady Pilots had a five point lead at the half thanks to some accurate shooting and rebounding. LSU Shreveport shot 40% (10-25) in the first half while Xavier made 10-33 (30%). The Lady Pilots were four of 11 from the 3-point line in the first half while the Gold Nuggets were one of six. LSU Shreveport also had the advantage from the charity stripe making six out of 10, four by Sharday Cotton, as Xavier drained four of six.
The Gold Nuggets outscored the Lady Pilots by ten in the second half to overcome a five-point deficit at the half. Xavier shot the ball better in the second half to increase their percentage from the field to 40% (24-60) by the end of the game.
The Lady Pilots gave Xavier more than they wanted as they held the lead for most of the game as Xavier took the lead for good with four and a half minutes left in the game.
Sharday Cotton led the Lady Pilots in scoring and rebounding as she claimed her 9th double-double of the season with 18 points, including a perfect four of four from the free-throw line, and 11 rebounds. Cotton had one assist and one steal in 31 minutes of action.
TiKandis Edwards also had 11 rebounds to go along with 8 points and two assists. Edwards had one steal in 32 minutes.
Valerie Huizar led the team in assists with eight while scoring six points in 34 minutes while Renalda Stafford also scored six points in 19 minutes.
Whitney Hollins had two assists and five points in 25 minutes while Tish Flowers and Tynekqua Warren each had three points. Flowers played in 22 minutes as compared to Warren's 17. Callie Davis scored two points in 17 minutes.
The next stop for the Lady Pilots will be an opening round game in the National Tournament in Jackson, Tennessee. The date, time and opponent will be announced on Wednesday.
