By Norma Collett
Ambrosia Anderson scored a career high 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Cougars past San Francisco, 59-54, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004 at the Marriott Center.
The Cougars overcame a slow start in the first half that saw them miss 18 of their first 21 shots to trail the Lady Dons by six points early. But BYU came roaring back with a 13-2 run to take a 19-14 lead, which they extended to 26-20 at the end of the first half.
Coach Jeff Judkins said he was really pleased with the defensive effort his team gave in the first half and that the strong defensive effort helped energize his team on offense.
'We played good defense in the first half,' Judkins said. 'That's what helped keep us in the game today.'
Judkins also cited the play of reserves Heather Hansen and Melinda Johnsen who helped give BYU a boost in the first half. Hansen hit two 3-pointers in the first half to help give BYU the lead.
The Cougars were able to maintain their intensity in the second half, taking a 13-point lead at 56-43 with 2:55 to play, but San Francisco wouldn't back down.
The Lady Dons used an 11-0 run to pull within two points at 56-54, but BYU was able to hold of San Francisco's final charge and earn the victory.
With the win, Judkins notched his 50th victory as BYU's coach, and the Cougars improved their record to 7-4 on the year. The Cougars' next game will be Tuesday Jan. 6, 2004 at Montana State at 7:05 p.m.