LSUS Controls the Glass, Pulls Away for 74-53 Road Victory at Southwest

HOBBS, N.M. – The LSU Shreveport women's basketball team used a strong second half to secure a 74-53 road victory over the University of the Southwest on Saturday afternoon.

With the win, LSUS improves to 21-2 overall and remains unbeaten in Red River Athletic Conference play at 17-0. Southwest falls to 6-18 overall and 2-16 in conference action.

Katie Ambrose led the Pilots with 23 points, four assists, four steals, and two rebounds. Toni Coleman added 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks, while Amandine L'Etang finished with eight points and 11 rebounds. Celina Vilcinskas recorded 13 rebounds and eight points as LSUS dominated the glass, 44-23.

Southwest was paced by Seniya Wilson, who tallied 23 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Karina Ortiz added 20 points and three steals, and Macie Werdel grabbed six rebounds.

The Mustangs built an early eight-point advantage in the second quarter and led 22-14 before the Pilots settled in defensively. LSUS responded with improved ball movement and trips to the free-throw line to close the gap. A three-pointer from Coleman tied the game at 22-22, and the Pilots continued to chip away before taking a 30-26 lead into halftime.

Southwest briefly regained the lead in the third quarter at 36-35 following an Ortiz three-pointer, but LSUS answered with a decisive run. Ambrose connected from beyond the arc and the Pilots controlled the paint, helping stretch the lead to 47-41 heading into the fourth.

In the final period, LSUS gradually extended its advantage. A three from Selma Markisic and consistent interior finishes pushed the margin into double digits. Coleman's steal and layup, followed by free throws from Ambrose, gave the Pilots their largest lead of the afternoon at 21 points with 1:10 remaining.

LSUS forced 16 turnovers and converted them into 22 points while also holding a 11-2 edge in second-chance scoring and a 32-18 advantage in points in the paint. The Pilots shot 32.4 percent from the field and 64.9 percent from the free-throw line while limiting Southwest to 31.6 percent shooting.

LSU Shreveport returns to action on Tues., Feb. 10, when the Pilots travel to face Texas College.

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