LUBBOCK – The Angelo State women's basketball team saw their dream season come to an end Tuesday night as they lost to Lubbock Christian 76-70 in the NCAA DII South Central Regional Final.
The Belles were led by Marquita Daniels, who scored 27 points on 11-17 shooting, including 2-5 from behind the three point line. She also had three rebounds, two assists, and five steals in her final collegiate game. Daniels finishes her ASU career with 986 points, 258 rebounds, 221 assists, and 195 steals in two years. She was also named to the NCAA DII South Central Region All-Tournament team.
De'Anira Moore also had an excellent game with 16 points and a team leading nine rebounds. She made 6-12 shots from the field.
Maria Delgado struggled shooting the ball, but made all three free throws and finished with 11 points, a rebound and an assist. She recorded 336 points, 181 rebounds, 45 assists, and 24 steals in her one year in the blue and gold.
Asia Davis had a solid outing, scoring eight points and making a three pointer. She added two rebounds, an assist and a steal on the evening.
Dezirae Hampton played a team-high 36 minutes and finished with five points, seven rebounds, and four assists, including a crucial three pointer down the stretch to keep the game within reach. She finishes her Belle career with 763 points, 445 rebounds, 142 assists, and 81 steals in her two years.
Catara Samuel played 21 minutes and finished with two points, three rebounds and a steal.
Mikayla Blount made a single free throw and finished with one point, two rebounds, and one block. She finishes her ASU career with 224 points, 178 rebounds, 45 assists, 23 steals, and 24 blocks in her two years.
The Belles dug a big hole early, trailing 20-9 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, however, the Belles turned up the energy and outscored the Chaps 27-13 to take a three point halftime lead. Marquita Daniels and De'Anira Moore were particularly dominant in the first half, scoring 20 points combined.
The second half saw LCU battle back to take a four point lead at the end of the third quarter, although Marquita Daniels continued to dominate. The fourth quarter was a back and forth affair that saw the Chaps continue to lead, but the Belles stayed within striking distance. A Dezirae Hampton three pointer pulled ASU within three points with just 35 seconds to play. On the ensuing inbound pass, LCU committed a five second violation, giving the ball back to the Belles. Unfortunately, De'Anira Moore was called for charging, fouling her out of the game and negating the made basket on the play. LCU made three free throws down the stretch and the Belles were unable to score again, providing the final margin of six points.
