LAKE WALES, Fla. - Following the first win of the season this past Tuesday for the University of Mobile Women's Basketball team, the Rams traveled to central Florida for two games versus SUN Conference opponents as part of the SSAC v. SUN Conference Challenge. Mobile began the weekend action on Friday, Nov. 4 with an evening game against Keiser University, and followed with a midday game against Webber International on Saturday, Nov. 5. The Rams finished the weekend 1-1, dropping the opening game on Friday and picking up a win on Saturday.
Friday Loss to Seahawks
In the weekend opener for Mobile, the Rams fell to the Seahawks of Keiser, 62-53. Keiser managed to outscore Mobile in three of four quarters played, with Mobile controlling the third quarter by three points. The Rams struggled to get the ball to fall consistently against the Seahawks, shooting just over 30% from the floor, while taking 27 three-point attempts on Friday evening and making just five. Mobile made six of nine free throw attempts.
Individually, Rachel Leclerc recorded a new career-high in points scored with a team-high 14 points against Keiser. In addition, Leclerc led the Rams with 12 rebounds, handing the sophomore her first-career double-double. Leclerc played 30 minutes from off the bench and added three steals and one assist in the loss.
Both Erica Jones and Mary Denman Luker tallied 10 points each against the Seahawks, with Jones finishing with seven rebounds and Denman Luker tallying four. Jones got the start for head coach Erika Stuckman and played 33 minutes, while Denman Luker played 21 minutes from off the bench.
Following the loss, it was a quick turnaround for Mobile as they turned their focus to Webber International the following afternoon.
Rams Bounce Back
The following day, Mobile squared off against Webber International and controlled the game from start to finish. The Rams led the Warriors in every quarter, holding a 28-23 lead at the half. Coming out of halftime, Mobile put up 20 points alone in the third quarter and added 15 more in the final 10 minutes of the game to earn the 63-45 victory. Webber International's 15 points in the second quarter was the most points the Warriors managed to score in a quarter against the Mobile defense, while the Rams scored 15 points or more in three of four quarters played on Saturday.
Offense was much better for Mobile as the team finished with a 46% shooting line from the floor. Mobile connected with four three-pointers while making seven of 12 free throw attempts against the Warriors. Mobile's only downfall in the victory over Webber International was the turnover category where the Rams committed 21 turnovers, the highest turnover total this season.
Erica Jones notched a double-double in the win on Saturday, recording 11 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. Jones added four assists, one block, and one steal against the Warriors. For Mobile newcomer Alesha Temple, the transfer put together her best game as a Ram and led Mobile with 14 points. Temple collected seven rebounds and three steals to go with her 14 points. Mary Denman Luker finished with 13 points and four rebounds. As a unit, Mobile out-rebounded Webber International, 47-29.
Back to Action on Monday
After traveling home to Mobile late Saturday night, Mobile will hit the road to New Orleans, La. on Monday morning for a non-conference game against Dillard University. Monday's game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. CT and is the first of two meetings between the two programs during the 2022-23 season.
Overall, the two teams have met 56 total times in history, with Mobile controlling the all-time series record with a 35-21 record. The Rams have won the last three meetings against Dillard.
About the University of Mobile
The University of Mobile is a Christ-centered liberal arts and sciences institution with a vision of higher education for a higher purpose, founded to honor God by equipping students for their future professions through rigorous academic preparation and spiritual transformation. Core values are: Christ-Centered, Academically-Focused, Student-Devoted and Distinctively-Driven. The university offers on-campus and online bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in over 75 academic programs. Founded in 1961, the University of Mobile is affiliated with the Alabama Baptist State Convention and is located 10 miles north of Mobile, Alabama on a campus of over 880 acres.
For information about the University of Mobile, areas of study, admissions and more, visit umobile.edu, connect with UM on social media @univofmobile, or call Enrollment Services at 1.800.WIN.RAMS or 251.442.2222.
