Nov. 26, 2002
WACO, Texas - The Lady Bears jumped out to a first-half lead and never looked back as they defeated the Texas Southern Lady Tigers 103-50 tonight at the Ferrell Center. Baylor starts the season 3-0 after taking the title at the Women's Sports Foundation Tournament last weekend with wins over Princeton and Alcorn State.
For the second time in three games, five athletes scored in double figures as the Lady Bears improved to 26-0 in regular season non-conference contests under head coach Kim Mulkey-Robertson.
Sophomore Steffanie Blackmon led the scoring parade shooting a perfect 11-of-11 from the floor for 22 points. Junior Jessika Stratton and sophomore Jordan Davis each added 15 tallies for the Lady Bears, while sophomore Melanie Hamerly scored 14 and newcomer Sophia Young added 13.
Hamerly had a stellar defensive performance, tying her career high with five blocks in the contest. She also rejected five shots against Princeton in the season opener. With 14 blocks on the season, Hamerly leads the Big 12 in that category.
The Lady Bears controlled the boards as every player grabbed at least two rebounds en route to Baylor holding a 42-35 advantage off the glass.
Sophomore Chelsea Whitaker was the only Lady Bear who did not score in the contest, instead recording a career-best nine assists. Freshman Ebony Jackson also recorded a career-high in the assist category with eight.
Baylor dominated nearly every aspect of the game, scoring 54 points in the paint to Texas Southern's 12. The Lady Bears also scored 35 points off 22 Lady Tiger turnovers.
After three home games, the Lady Bears hit the road for the GranTree Thanksgiving Classic in Bozeman, Mont. on Friday and Saturday. Baylor faces San Jose State on Friday before taking on host Montana State on Saturday.
