Southwest Women Gain First Win in TCCAA Tournament Over Roane

The Saluqi Women's basketball team gained an impressive win in their conference tournament opener that allowed them to move on to the quarterfinals here on Tuesday afternoon at Walters State's Buda Gymnasium. Despite a close first half, with a sparsely marked scoresheet, the Lady Saluqis blew the game open in the 3rd quarter en route to a 49-35 win over Roane State.

The first quarter had a dearth of scoring with Roane taking a 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter. By haltime the Lady Saluqis had taken the lead back 19-18 with the first half box revealing that both teams combined for only 3 free throws and 15 of 57 field goals.

The third quarter was different for the Lady Saluqis as they outscored Roane 21-4 in the frame and took a commanding 40-22 lead. The final quarter was better for Roane, but the large hole they'd dug themselves in the thrid quarter was too much and led to Roane throwing up too many desperation three-pointers, going only 1 of 17 in the second half and 2 of 26 for the game.

RaChelle Parks led all scorers for Roane with 7 points. She also led in rebounds with 10. Southwest was led by Victoria Middlebrooks with 14 points and 7 defensive rebounds.

The Lady Saluqis will face host Walters State on Thursday March 9 at 2 p.m..