MOBILE, Ala. - The University of Mobile Women's Basketball team hosted the Middle Georgia State Knights on Wednesday evening, Feb. 17 in what was the home finale of the 2021-22 schedule for the Rams in Pharr Gymnasium. Mobile surged to victory over the Knights, 78-57. Prior to the start of the game, three seniors from the University of Mobile Women's Basketball roster were honored in front of family and loved ones for Senior Night. The three seniors honored were Artasia McDowell, Breannah McCullah, and Kelsey Pinera. Both Pinera and McCullah were awarded a start on Wednesday from Mobile Head Coach Erika Stuckman as McDowell cheered her teammates on from the stands as she was listed as inactive during the Spring semester.
During the game Wednesday evening, Middle Georgia State managed to hold the lead for the first five minutes of the game. However, once Mobile claimed the lead near the end of the first quarter, it was all Rams for the remainder of the game. Both Pinera and McCullah got into foul trouble early in the first half, limiting their playing time throughout the first 20 minutes. The Rams held the lead over the Knights 33-25 at the break.
In the second half, Mobile's offense exploded, scoring a total of 45 points through the final two quarters of the game. Mobile's defense also stepped up in the second half, allowing just 11 points in the third quarter alone for the Knights. As a team, Mobile managed seven steals and forced 12 Middle Georgia State turnovers on Wednesday night. The Rams' great defense allowed the offense to score 10 points off opponent turnovers and eventually led to Mobile running away with the game, earning the 21-point victory.
Senior Kelsey Pinera finished with seven points in the victory, hitting one big three-point shot that got the crowd in Pharr Gymnasium loud. Breannah McCullah finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists on Wednesday. Both Pinera and McCullah were greeted with hugs from teammates and loved ones following the final whistle as both players played their final game in Pharr Gymnasium.
Sidney Sims and Erica Jones both led the Rams offensively with 16 points each in the win. Jones recorded a double-double Wednesday evening adding a game-high 14 rebounds to her point totals. As a team, the Rams out-rebounded the Knights 41-30 with 16 of those being offensive boards. Mobile scored nine second-chance points in the game.Â
As a team, Mobile shot 40% from the floor and recorded their second best three-point performance of the season. Mobile hit nine three-point shots in the victory in 23 attempts. The Rams made 10 threes on Jan. 17 against William Carey.Â
With the win, Mobile improves their overall record to 14-9 on the season and 8-7 in SSAC action with just one regular season game remaining on the 2021-22 season schedule. Mobile will face Faulkner University in Montgomery, Ala. on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 12:00 p.m. CT for the regular season finale. With a win, Mobile will secure at least the fourth seed in the upcoming SSAC Women's Basketball Championship Tournament next weekend as both Faulkner and Mobile are currently tied in the standings.
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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.
