Women's basketball makes statement in OVC opener behind Lee's 31 points

Women's basketball starts conference play on the right note, with a 80-63 win over SIUE. Faith Lee's 31-point performance and three players with a double-double pushed the Trojans to victory. Little Rock's balanced offense, defensive consistency, and ability to capitalize on SIUE's turnovers proved to be the difference. SIUE falls to 2-8 (0-1 OVC), while Little Rock improves to 3-7 (1-0 OVC).

Faith Lee's career-high 31 points were followed by help from Jordan Holman (17 points), Sug Williams (14 points), and Emerald Parker (10 points). Lee shot 14-of-22 from the field, including a key three-pointer, pushing the team's advantage to as high as 16 points midway through the first half. Williams, Holman, and Parker all recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds apiece. Little Rock shot a season-high 51.6 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the arc. The Trojans' fourth quarter push sealed the deal, as they outshot the Cougars 61.5 percent to 14.2 percent. 

The Trojan defense forced 13 turnovers, turning those into 18 points. Little Rock held SIUE to just 33 percent shooting. The Cougars were led by Molly Sheehan, who shot 5-of-7 from the field and drained three triples for 15 points. Brianna Wooldridge helped the Cougars efforts with 11 points on 3-of-9 shooting and five free throws. SIUE's bench out scored Little Rock, 22-7. 

Little Rock continues Ohio Valley Conference play Saturday at home against Eastern Illinois at 1 PM.