Dec. 29, 2002

Box Score

RICHMOND, Ky. - Giovanni Price posted her first double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as Eastern Kentucky defeated Samford, 65-44, in women's college basketball action in the opening round of the EKU Comfort Suites Classic. Samford fell to 2-7 and EKU improved to 7-4.

Pam Garrett, Miranda Eckerle and Katie Kelly each scored 14 points to lead four EKU players in double figures. Candis Cook added 11 points. Noot Pittman scored a team-high 12 points for the Bulldogs.

Samford shot just 33 percent from the field and 59 percent from the free-throw line (17-of-29). EKU shot 35 percent from the field and 73 percent from the free-throw line.

The Lady Colonels capitalized on 21 first-half Samford turnovers to take a 28-15 lead into the locker room. EKU closed out the first half with a 16-3 run in the last six minutes.

Samford trailed 10-2 with 16:06 left in the first half. The Bulldogs went on a 10-2 run to tie the game 12-12 with 10:12 left before halftime. LaBrena Friend hit a 3-pointer and Price made two free throws and completed a 3-point play to make it 12-10. Pittman added two free throws to tie the game, but Samford scored only three points in the remaining nine minutes of the first half.

The Bulldogs cut their deficit to 31-20 on Pittman's jumper with 17:20 left in the game. Samford got within 35-25 on a Chelsee Insell 3-pointer with 14:55 left, but that was as closes as the Bulldogs would get. EKU went on a 14-6 run to extend its lead to 49-31 with 6:17 remaining.

Insell added nine points for Samford and Friend scored four points for Samford. EKU's press forced 30 Bulldog turnovers in the game.

Samford will continue play in the EKU Classic Monday afternoon as it will face future OVC foe Morehead State at 1 p.m. (CST). Morehead defeated Jacksonville State, 95-87, in the first game of the tournament.