Lady Buffs One Win From a Title

Originally Published: Mar 12, 2010 12:56 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Despite not scoring a single point in the second quarter against Memorial, the McAlester Lady Buffaloes managed to squeak out a 42-39 win to advance to the 5A championship game Saturday night.

LaShonda Green and Shay Griffin each scored eight points to lead the Lady Buffs.

Trailing by 11 after the first quarter, Memorial clamped down on defense before the end of the half. The Lady Chargers held McAlester scoreless and took a one point advantage into halftime.

Savannah Carter was key for Memorial in the early comeback. She scored 13 points in the game and matched up with McAlester’s speedy guards at the top of the Lady Chargers’ 2-3 zone.

The Lady Buffs stormed back for 25 points in the second half to advance to the state title game. McAlester will face the winner of East Central and Booker T. Washington for the gold ball. The title game is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at ORU’s Mabee Center.

Before Friday morning’s game against McAlester, every Lady Charger touched a basketball they had spray painted gold for good luck. After their three point loss, their fans in the Mabee Center stands gave the team a standing ovation for their play in the semifinal round.