Box Score CORPUS CHRISTI - Sophomore Kassie Jones had a Homecoming to remember as she scored a career-high 28 points to help the
Islanders overcome a seven-point second-half deficit on the way to a 60-52 win over Sam Houston State at the American Bank Center Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Islanders (14-13, 10-6) picked up the season sweep of the Bearkats.
Jones scored the first five points for the Islanders in the second half, helping the team back into the game in which its offense was at a complete standstill in the final minutes of the first.
A&M-Corpus Christi's offense came to life in the second half. As Jones went, the team went around her. Junior Shay Weaver scored 16 points and grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
One player that has seen the court in limited action this season made a huge impact in the game. Freshman Shelby Miskell scored only five points on the scoresheet, but her energy on both ends of the floor ignited the team during a second half run that pulled the Islanders even with the Bearkats, as she drained two free throws.
An area that the Islanders improved upon in the second half was turnovers. The team finished with 18 in the game, but turned the ball over only four times in the final 20-minutes. In all, Sam Houston State (6-20, 5-11 SLC) scored 19 of their 52 points off of Islanders miscues.
The team dominated the rebounding category, out rebounding its opponent for the 13th time this season. The Islanders picked up 16 offensive boards and turned the extra chances into 10 points.
The Islanders got off to a great start, leading SHSU 19-9 eight minutes into the game. Weaver connected on her first four attempts, but the lead would not last long. The Islanders traded baskets with the visiting Bearkats for the next few minutes, but the islanders offense went stagnate as turnovers piled up for the home squad.
Sam Houston State used an 19-0 run to end the half to take a 30-23 lead to the locker room. Junior Gee Lawler put in a tough layup with 8:45 left in the half and the Islanders would be held in check for the remainder of the opening frame.
The Bearkats scored 15 of their points off of Islanders turnovers to fueled their run. The Southland Conference's leading scorer, Shernise Robertson paced the Bearkats with 12 points in the first. Weaver finished the first half with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The Islanders host Houston Baptist Thursday at 5 p.m. at the American Bank Center. The team will then finish off the regular season on Saturday as they welcome Abilene Christian to town for Senior Day.
For the latest team information, like the team on Facebook (Islanders Women's Basketball), and follow the Islanders on Twitter and Instagram (@IslandersWBB). Fans can also receive updates on the team by downloading the Islanders Front Row App at GoIslanders.com/frontrow.
