Hope Denies Furious Simpson Comeback

Fairburn named to All Tournament Team

- (11/25/2006)

Hope International 77, Simpson University 69
 
      Heavily favored Hope International jumped out to a 7-0 lead and led by as many as 23 in the second half before having to hold on as Simpson came roaring back in an exciting tournament finale.  The Lions forced 12 first-half turnovers by the Red Hawks and converted them into 18 points to take the early lead. 

     After leading by 10 at halftime, Hope took control in the second half and opened what looked like an insurmountable lead.  Simpson came back on the back of Latoya Scott (So., Lower Lake) who hit a 3-pointer with just under two minutes remaining to bring the Red Hawks within two at 64-66.  Scott scored all 18 of her team-high points in the second half as she knocked down 6-of-10 from long distance.  From there it turned into a battle of the free throw line as Hope hit 83% (25-of-30) to Simpson's 11-of-20 and pulled out the win and the tournament.

     Tournament Most Valuable Player Jasmine Nault was unstoppable for the second straight night as she scored 22 points to go with nine rebounds.  Kayla Rutherford, Sarah Nylander, and Malerie Rodriguez all chipped in 12 points for Hope, while All Tournament selection Sara Lycans-Roy had 10.

       For Simpson, All Tournament player Sara Fairburn (So., Spokane, WA) hit for 15 points and nine rebounds for the second straight night, while Kelsey Lang (Jr., Red Bluff) scored 12 and Katie Garringer (So., Susanville) had 12.  Lang added 6 assists for the Lady Red Hawks, who nearly pulled off the dramatic comeback.

Philadelphia Biblical 65, Lincoln Christian 57

      The Philadelphia Biblical University Lady Eagles jumped out to a quick lead and survived several Lincoln Christian runs in the second half as they finished the Simpson University Thanksgiving Classic with a 2-0 record.  The consistency of All Tournament selections Beth Smith and the timely shooting of Danielle Norton squashed any Angel run as the Lady Eagles won 65-57 after shooting 44% on the night.  Smith registered a double-double, hitting on 7-of-15 shots for 18 points while grabbing 11 rebounds.  Norton hit four 3-pointers, including three in the second half and totaled 12 points.

      Sarah Godwin led a second-half surge for the Angels, hitting 6-of-16 from the field and 5-of-11 from long range for a game-high 20 points.  All Tournament pick Bobbie Larson was consistent going for 17 points and four assists, while Emma Hanford picked up 13 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.

ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
MVP- Jasmine Nault (Hope)
Beth Smith (PBU)
Sara Lycans-Roy (Hope)
Danielle Norton (PBU)
Sara Fairburn (Simpson)
Bobbie Larson (Lincoln)

FINAL RESULTS
Hope International           2-0 (champion by pt. margin)
Philadelphia Biblical         2-0
Simpson University          0-2
Lincoln Christian              0-2