Feb. 26, 2004

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Sophomore guard Chelsee Insell scored a career-high 27 points, including a Samford record 12 free throws in 12 attempts to lead the Bulldog women's basketball team to a 60-45 win in the team's season finale over Tennessee State Thursday evening in Seibert Hall.

"It's always a good feeling to end the season with a win," Samford head coach Mike Morris said.

The two teams traded baskets for the first part of the first half, with neither team able to gain more than a three-point lead until Tennessee State (1-24, 0-15 OVC) went on a 7-0 run to take a 14-9 lead with 12:40 to go in the first half on a jumper by Kisha Stewart. Samford (10-17, 3-13 OVC) responded with a 12-0 run of its own to take the lead for good at 21-14 on a three-pointer by Insell. TSU fought back to cut the lead to three at 21-18, but Samford answered with a three-pointer by freshman forward Alex Munday with 6:28 remaining to give Samford a 24-18 lead. The teams traded baskets for the rest of the first half and Samford took a 29-22 lead into halftime.

Samford opened the second half by scoring seven of the first 10 points of the period to push its lead out to 11 at 36-35 with 15:41 to go on a pair of free throws by Insell. The Bulldogs pulled away from there, increasing their lead to as much as 17 points at 48-31 with 8:27 to go in the game. Tennessee State could get no closer than 14 points the rest of the way as Samford came away with the 60-45 victory.

Following Insell for Samford, freshman forward Veronica Pike scored a career-high 14 points. In addition to her 27 points, Insell also pulled down a team-high eight rebounds on the night.

Tennessee State was led by Kendra Bailey with eight points. Kasheena Powe led the Lady Tigers in rebounding with nine.

The game ends the 2003-04 season for Samford. Prior to the game, seniors Giovanni Price and Jennifer East were honored as this was their final game in a Samford uniform.