Willis, Lady Pirates Clip UNC Pembroke, 58-56

SAVANNAH, Ga. - Lacey Willis' offensive rebound and basket with 14 seconds remaining lifted the Armstrong Atlantic State women's basketball team to its second straight victory with a 58-56 win over visiting UNC Pembroke on Saturday at Alumni Arena.

The Lady Pirates (13-8, 8-6 PBC) survived a halfcourt three-point shot at the buzzer, however, by Marquena Delk of UNC Pembroke (10-11, 6-8 PBC) that accounted for the final margin.

With the Lady Braves leading by one, 53-52, a missed three-pointer by Ashley Duhart bounced high in the paint. Willis caught the rebound and made the jumper in the paint, putting AASU ahead, 54-53, and drawing a foul in the process. Willis missed the free throw, and on the ensuing possession, Delk committed a turnover, giving the Lady Pirates back the ball. 

Junior Portia Jones drained two free throws, giving the Lady Pirates a 56-53 lead. Lavontay Johnson missed a three-pointer from the top of the key, and Jones grabbed the rebound with 0.4 seconds remaining. Jones again made both free throws, making it 58-53, and on the inbounds play, Delk swished a 45-footer to make the final score 58-56.

Willis recorded her second straight double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds, to go with five assists. She became just the eighth player in AASU history to record 1,100 career points as she led all players on the night from the floor. Jones finished the night with 13 points and Kelly Versluis added 10 points.

UNC Pembroke was led by Delk's 18 points and JaToya Kemp's nine points and game-high 13 rebounds.

The Lady Pirates return to action on Wednesday, February 11, with a 5:30 p.m. Peach Belt Conference contest at GCSU.