BORGER, Texas - The South Plains College Lady Texans came into Borger to take on Frank Phillips and in the beginning appeared to still be riding high from their big win Monday versus Midland College as they ran out to a 20-8 lead to open the first 13 minutes of the game. Over the final six minutes of the half SPC cooled off and the Lady Plainsmen fought their way back into the contest as they went on a 17-5 run to go into halftime with the score tied 25-25.
South Plains attempted to regain control of the game in the opening minutes of the second half as they jumped out to a six point lead in the first five minutes at 33-27. The Lady Plainsmen were determined to keep it close as they fought back and retied the game three minutes later, thanks to a 6-0 run. Forty seconds later they handed the Lady Texans their first deficit of the night after a made free throw.
However, that would be short lived as Tasheena Byrd put the Lady Texans back ahead with a made three pointer at the 11:34 mark to make the score 36-34. Byrd's three pointer began 6-0 Lady Texan run that was capped by a three point play by Lubbock native Taniqua Ards. After a layup brought Frank Phillips back to within three at 39-36, SPC went on a 16-9 run over the next seven minutes to increase their lead to 10 points with only 2:57 remaining on the clock.
Every time SPC put a double digit lead on their opponent, Frank Phillips dug down and fought their way back into the game. Down by 10 points, the Lady Plainsmen went on a 7-0 scoring run to pull back to within three points with just over one minute remaining on the clock. At this point, FPC was forced to foul Lady Texan ball handlers, and SPC made big free throws down the stretch to hold on for a five point victory, 63-58.
The win improves the Lady Texans to 22-6 overall and 9-3 in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference.
The Lady Texans return to the Texan Dome Monday, February 23 when they take on Howard College. Holiday Inn Express of Levelland is sponsoring the game and have donated shirts that will be thrown to the crowd. Holiday Inn general manager Terry Castro has also chosen to help stimulate the local economy by donating $250.00 gift certificates from area merchants. On behalf of Holiday Inn, the SPC Athletic Department will raffle off a $250.00 gift certificate from Atchison Jewelry at halftime of the Lady Texan game, as well as a $250.00 gift certificate from Ace Hardware at halftime of the Texan game. A certificate for a free nights stay at the Holiday Inn Express will be given away at each half as well.
Tip-off on Monday is 5:30 p.m. for the Lady Texans, 7:30 p.m. for the Texans and will be aired on KLVT 1230 AM and www.hprnetwork.com.
