BOX SCORE
BARTLESVILLE, Okla. – Southwestern Oklahoma State, the reigning Great American Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament champions, opened defense of its title with a 69-59 victory against Henderson State on Thursday from the Bruin Fieldhouse.
Michelle Fisher paced the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive attack as the First-Team All-GAC performer scored a game-high 26 points. She added seven rebounds and three steals in the win. As a team, the Lady Bulldogs collected 10 steals and forced a total of 20 turnovers.
Southwestern Oklahoma State-Henderson State Photo Gallery
Southwestern Oklahoma State (22-5) never trailed in the contest and won for the 13th time in its last 14 games. Kylie Boggess added a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs advanced without relying heavily on the 3-point shot. They entered the game ranked among the top five teams in the nation in 3-point field goals per game. Against Henderson State, the Lady Bulldogs made only 3-of-9 from beyond the arc. Both the makes and attempts represented season lows.
Destiny Smith closed out her career at Henderson State (13-14) with her 11th double-double of the season. She totaled 16 points and 13 rebounds. Nine of her rebounds came at the offensive end and the Lady Reddies won the rebounding battle by a 44-35 margin.
SWOSU improved to 4-0 all-time in GAC Championship play and advanced to face Harding at Noon on Saturday. The Lady Bulldogs defeated the Lady Bisons in last year’s title game and split with them during the regular season.