Nov. 28, 2008

Box Score

FULLERTON, CA - Georgia's Ashley Houts scored a game-high 20 points and led three other teammates in double figures as the Lady Bulldogs defeated Cal State Fullerton, 85-64, in the opening game of the 2008 Lady Rebel Round Up on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas, Nev.

The loss evened the Titans' record at 2-2 overall while Georgia improved to 4-1. Fullerton will meet the loser of the tournament's second game between UNLV and Eastern Washington on Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m.

Senior Toni Thomas led the Titans with 19 points on a quintet of three-point baskets and 4-of-6 from the free throw line. She also added four steals in 31 minutes. Senior Daviyonne Weathersby finished with 12 points and a team-best eight rebounds while sophomore Lauren Chow added 11 points and six assists.

The Lady Bulldogs, who shot 53 percent for the game while holding Fullerton to just 33 percent for the contest, used a 22-2 run midway through the first half to break open a close contest and pull away. The Titans could not come closer than 12 points in the second half.

Fullerton hung tough in the early going, as the first 11 minutes featured six ties and four lead changes. However, Houts hit a three-pointer to snap a 20-20 tie and ignite the game-changing run over the next seven minutes to propel Georgia to the 42-25 halftime advantage.

Cal State Fullerton closed the scoring gap in the second half, being outscored ny just a four-point margin, but could not overcome 50 percent shooting by the Bulldogs after the break. The Titans closed to within 12 points with 13 minutes to go in the contest, but an 8-0 run by the Lady Bulldogs over the next three minutes allowed Georgia to pull away.

The Titans were dialed in from long distance, staying in the contest by shooting 40 percent (12-for-30) from beyond the arc. Fullerton finished with more three-pointers made than two-point baskets (10) on the afternoon. The 12 trey's were just two shy of the school record of 14 set in 2006 against Iowa State.

The Lady Bulldogs outrebounded the Titans, 52-28, powered by double-doubles from Angel Robinson (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Porsha Phillips (12 points, 11 rebounds). Christy Marshall was also in double figures with 18 points and seven rebounds.