Women's basketball knocks off Arkansas State in 2 OT

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From SMUMustangs.com:

Women's Basketball Survives Double-OT Thriller Against Arkansas State, 86-80

Nov. 26, 2010

DALLAS (SMU) --- Behind 19 points and a last-second overtime three-pointer from guard Samantha Mahnesmith, the SMU women's basketball team defeated Arkansas State 86-80 in double-overtime at Moody Coliseum on Friday night.

The play of the night came in the last few seconds of the first overtime when Mahnesmith banked-in a shot from several feet behind the three-point line to the tie the game and force a second overtime.

"I've made big shots before in my career," said Mahnesmith. "That was one that I didn't expect to go in when it left my hands, but it's great to hit a huge shot for my team and force another overtime."

Mahnesmith's 19 points ties a career high and her five made three-pointers sets a new career high. The junior led all scorers with eight points in the overtimes as the Mustangs edged Arkansas State, 13-7, in the final period.

"Arkansas State came out and pressured us defensively," said SMU head coach Rhonda Rompola. "It forced us to hit outside shots and get to the line. I was really impressed by Arkansas State, they are good team that has played tough competition."

Delisha Wills tied for the game-high with 19 points. The senior was a perfect 5 for 5 from the field and made 9-of-12 free throws during the game. Playing much of the overtime period as the post with Christine Elliott out due to fouls, Wills led the team with 10 boards. Before leaving the game, Elliott tallied 10 points, 9 rebounds and a game-high 3 blocks.

Sophomore Alisha Filmore returned to the lineup after missing a game due to injury and responded with a career-high eight assists and 13 points, including seven during the overtime periods.

Senior Raquel Christian provided offense off the bench for the Mustangs (2-2), scoring 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting with three three-pointers.

With the win, SMU advances to the Hoops for the Cure Tournament's Championship Game against Akron tomorrow at 5 p.m. The Zips defeated Georgia Southern, 94-81 in overtime, during the first game of the day. For ticket information, call 214-SMU-GAME (214-768-4263) or visit SMUMustangs.com.

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Arkron Zippers. strange mascot.

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Zips

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Head coach Rhonda Rompola:

(On Arkansas State)
"They're a good team. Their only two losses came against top-25 teams: St. John's and Iowa. They're a very athletic team, and we knew coming in that they were going to have some of the best pressure we'd face all year ... and they did."

(On Arkansas State's interior defense)
"They really took our inside game away. We didn't have much of a high-low game going tonight, but that was because of what they were doing defensively. They were very active on defense and did a good job of disrupting our interior passing."

(On how the Ponies can react after getting a win despite an inefficient offensive night)
"This was a great taste for us. Our coaches knew coming in that Arkansas State has some athletic players, and like I said before, we knew they would come in with some of the best pressure we'll see all year. That was a point of emphasis in practice — how we handle that pressure. There some times it wasn't pretty, but we got it done."

(On what was learned in Saturday's victory)
"We're always talking about playing to the end; tonight was a perfect example of that. We played right to the end, Sam (Mahnesmith) hit that shot and we were able to pull it out. That's big for this team, and it shows the importance of playing until the final buzzer goes off."

Guard Samantha Mahnesmith:

(On three-pointer she banked in at the end of the first overtime period)
I was hoping I'd make it, but I was just trying to get some arc on it, so if there was a rebound, we could kick it out for one more shot.