Collegio Online

Issue date: 2/21/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: photo courtesy Carla Wehmeyer Junior guard Brianna Buchanan, left, teams with junior forward Linda Igbinigie to block a shot by the Emporia Stae Hornets. PSU lost the game 94-49

The Gorilla women took on Emporia Wednesday night, walking in with 10-3 overall and 4-10 MIAA records. Emporia stood with 18-5 overall and 11-3 MIAA records, and in the midst of a seven game winning streak.

"Emporia is one of the best teams in the US, and we need our best efforts," said head coach Lane Lord before the game.
Emporia's winning streak was unabated by the Gorilla women, whose high scorer, guard DePrice Taylor, managed just 9 points.

In the end, the game was a 94-49 blowout for Emporia, continuing a string of bad luck for the Gorillas.

Guard DePrice Taylor was the high scorer of the night, but even she managed just 9 points against Emporia.

Wednesday night's loss follows a rough game last weekend against Northwest Missouri in which they fought hard, but lost 71-58. Despite a strong second half, the Gorillas were unable to take the win.
"I think we played hard and we had a lot of energy and our effort was outstanding, but when that ball doesn't go through that little circle, it makes it tough," said Lord. "We played really well in the second half, but there was too much of a hole in the score from the first half."

The team plays next at Southwest Baptist's home court on Saturday. As of Feb. 19, the Bearcats held an 18-5 overall record, and an 11-3 MIAA standing.

The last time Pittsburg faced Southwest Baptist, the Bearcats walked with an 86-80 win. "They are probably the surprise of the MIAA this year, they have been playing some really good basketball," said Lord. "They will be another tough match for us."
Pitt State has two games remaining in the regular season, against Missouri Southern and Truman.

As of February 19th, the Gorillas are tied for the last spot in regional playoffs, and need only two more wins to make an appearance in the post-season.

"We are just focusing on trying to get there (post season), and hopefully once we get there we can make a run at it," said Lord.

The Gorillas will continue to fight and prepare for a run in post-season tournaments. "I hope we can continue to improve and make the post season," said Lord. "We have to take care of our home court, win some games at home and give ourselves a chance."

Pitt State tips off against Southwest Baptist this 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23.

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