Nov. 9, 2007

Box Score

FARMVILLE, Va. - Led by Talicia Jackson's game-high 22 points, American University women's basketball defeated Longwood University in its season opener on Friday night at Willett Hall. Liz Hayes (14 points) and Pam Stanfield (12 points) also registered double-digit points in the win.

After starting the second half down by two, AU took control of the lead in the 15th minute on a Sahar Nusseibeh jumper. The Lancers fought back and a trend of several lead changes took place midway through the second.

In the eighth minute, Maggie Smith-Davidson grabbed an offensive rebound and was fouled as she attempted the put-back. Sinking back-to-back foul shots, Smith-Davidson gave the Eagles a one-point lead with 7:31 remaining on the clock and they never lost it from there.

American University closed out the final three minutes on an 11-2 run, with Hayes and Smith-Davidson connecting for an easy lay-up, Jackson hitting her fourth three of the night and the Eagles combining for five of six shooting from the free-throw line.

In the win over the Lancers, Jackson tallied a career-high 22 points, including four buckets from downtown, which matched her career-high for three-pointers in a game. American University also shot 85.2% from the charity stripe, led by Jackson's perfect 6-6 shooting and Hayes' five for five. Stanfield went 6-7 from the line.

AU held the slim 37-36 advantage in rebounds, with Smith-Davidson recording a game-high nine boards. Freshman forward Liz Leer chipped in seven of her own.

In its first game as an official member of the NCAA Division I, Longwood was led by Amber Sims who tallied 21 points. Keiva Small registered 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

For the second straight season, American University women's basketball opened with the "W," improving to 22-20 in season openers. The Eagles return to action on Tuesday night when they host VCU at 7 p.m. in their 2007-08 home opener.