BLUE TIGERS OFFENSIVE PROBLEMS CONTINUE

The Blue Tigers struggled to put points on the scoreboard for the third consecutive game without the production of leading scorer Brezette Elder-Wade.  Lincoln University (1-11) fell to the University of Missouri-Rolla Lady Miners (7-3) 62-39 in the Gale Bullman Multi-Purpose Building on Dec. 21. 

   It was the second time in the last three games the Blue Tigers have averaged less than a point-per-minute (40 minutes-per-game, 29 points at Washburn and 39 at Missouri-Rolla). 

   Missouri-Rolla ended the first half with an 18-8 run to take a 29-20 halftime advantage.  The Blue Tigers had more turnovers (15) in the first half than field goal attempts (14).

   Returning to the starting lineup for the first time since Dec. 9 was Jasmine Washington.  Washington, a junior from Oak Forest, Ill. tied for game-high scoring honors with teammate Cherika Ramsey, each popped in 11 points. 

   Twelve Lady Miners saw action in the game and 11 scored.  The top five scorers for Missouri-Rolla totaled more points than the entire Lincoln University team.  Katie Bunge led the balanced scoring by the Lady Miners with 10 points.  Chism McEntire contributed 9, Nicole Dierking and Emily Petrea scored 8 each and Jennifer Pena added 6.

   The Lady Miners went to the free-throw line 29 times and made 15 (52 percent), while the Blue Tigers hit 75 percent of their free-throw attempts (9-of-12).  Lincoln University was whistled for 24 fouls, Missouri-Rolla 14. 

   Lincoln University outscored Missouri-Rolla 22-16 in the paint.  The Lady Miners took full advantage of miscues by the Blue Tigers.  Missouri-Rolla scored 29 points off of 29 turnovers committed by Lincoln University.  The Blue Tigers were out-rebounded 25-9 in the second half and 36-23 for the game.  For the seventh time this season the Blue Tigers allowed an opponent to make better than 37 percent of their three-point shots.  The Lady Miners 43.8 percent effort from long distance is a season-high.  The 43.8 mark is the third highest percentage a team has reached from three-point range against the Blue Tigers this season.

   The Blue Tigers are having trouble taking care of the ball.  In their last six games the Blue Tigers have a 2.47:1 turnover-assist ratio.  In only one game this season has Lincoln University had more assists than turnovers; the 76-64 victory over William Woods in Jason Gymnasium on Nov. 21 (19 assists-15 turnovers).

   Lincoln University will try to begin Heartland Conference play with a win.  The Blue Tigers take on St. Edward’s University at 5:30 p.m. on January 3.  The Hilltoppers (1-8) host Southeastern Oklahoma State University on Dec. 30 before traveling to Jefferson City, Mo.

   The Blue Tigers have not beaten the Hilltoppers since Feb. 10, 2005, a 65-54 road win in Austin, Texas.