Date Posted: 3/10/2007

DOTHAN, Ala. – Fittingly the most competitive game of the Atlantic Sun Tournament came on Championship Saturday as top-seeded Belmont captured their first Tournament title with a 69-57 victory over No. 3 ETSU at the Dothan Civic Center.

With the win, the Bruins punch their ticket for a berth in the NCAA Championship while the Lady Bucs take home the A-Sun’s automatic bid into the WNIT.

Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player Alysha Clark scored 22 points and ripped down 16 rebounds, her third double-double of the championship.

The first half featured four ties and four lead changes, but Belmont finished the half on a 6-1 run to lead 24-21 at the intermission. The second half saw Belmont try to run away from the Lady Bucs again, but ETSU’s post players kept the game close. Devin Thompson and Kelly Thurman combined for six quick points to tie the game at 41-41 with just under seven minutes remaining.

Belmont answered again as Kristin Bunch buried a three-pointer on the ensuing possession to put Belmont up for good. The Bruins went on to hit 13-of-16 free throws in the final four minutes of the contest to clinch the championship.

Shaunda Strayhorn finished with 18 points while Jessica Bobbitt stuffed the stat sheet again with eight points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. The sophomore’s efforts in the paint helped Belmont set a new Atlantic Sun Championship record with 11 blocked shots. Both players landed on the All-Tournament team.

Kelly Turman scored 17 points off the bench to pace ETSU while All-Tournament performer Latisha Belcher added nine points and eight rebounds. Jacksonville standout Virginia Gregoire also landed on the All-Tournament team.

Belmont will find out their opponent in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Selection Monday. Shortly after the NCAA field is announced, ETSU will learn their WNIT fate.

Related Links:
 • Full Coverage at Championship Page