Nov. 30, 2002

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. - Natalie McLendon scored 13 points to lead four Samford players in double figures and the Bulldogs out-rebounded Morris Brown, 43-36, as Samford (1-3) defeated the Wolverines, 70-50, in women's college basketball action in the Jacksonville State Classic at Pete Matthews Coliseum. It was first-year head coach Mike Morris' first career win.

"I'm just happy for our ladies," Morris said. "I thought we took a step back against Alabama A&M. They played hard. They've been needing some good things to happen to them, and it did. I just hope we can built on this."

Noot Pittman and Morgan Vickery each pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds. Giovanni Price, Lindsey Harris and Chelsee Insell each added 11 points. Price was named to the all-tournament team after scoring 25 points in two tournament games.

Samford shot 36 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range. The Bulldogs shot 77 percent from the free-throw line.

Pittman's lay-up gave Samford a 47-31 lead with 13:20 left in the game. Samford built its largest lead of the second half at 55-31 with 10:31 left on two free throws by Insell and Harris' 3-pointer.

Samford shot 40 percent in the first half including 50 percent from 3-point range to take a 33-19 lead at halftime.

The Bulldogs opened the game on a 9-0 run. LaBrena Friend capped off the run with a 3-pointer with 14:35 on the clock.

Harris' jumper with 10:41 gave the Bulldogs a 15-1 lead, but Morris Brown then went on a 10-5 run to cut its deficit to 20-11 with six minutes remaining before halftime.

Samford next travels to Southern Mississippi Tuesday night at 7 p.m.