Pfeifer leads Lady'Backs to historic win over Wichita State

FAYETTEVILLE – Junior Sarah Pfeifer came off the bench to score 16 points for the University of Arkansas Lady Razorback basketball team to lead it to a historic 78-55 victory at Bud Walton Arena on Friday night against the Wichita State Shockers in non-conference action. The win improves the Lady Razorbacks to 6-1 on the season, while Wichita State falls to 2-5 and also sets the Arkansas record for consecutive wins against non-conference opponents at home 20. Arkansas’ last loss to a non Southeastern Conference team came on Dec 7, 1991 against Northern Iowa. Using a mixture of full court pressure and an up-and-down offense, the Lady Razorbacks built a large halftime lead and never looked back as they steamrolled Wichita State. A tight game through most of the second half, Wichita State cut into the Arkansas halftime lead, but the difference proved too much as the Shockers never got closer than 10. “Having a lead at the half was new territory for us” Arkansas head coach Susie Gardner said. “I didn’t think we played that well and was feeling good about our efforts. It was disappointing to come out in the second half not have that fire. A mature team doesn’t allow the lead to get cut. Its like we play our best basketball when we are down and we need to be able to maintain.” Aiding Wichita State in its cause was another prolonged drought by the Arkansas offense as they allowed the Shockers to go on a 13-5 run midway through the half. Wichita State used its size advantage in the low post to score most of its second-half points as it continued to place the ball in the low post mainly to the hands of Rochelle Busenitz. “I think the game was obiviously won in the first half, their bench comes in and can do a lot of things,” WSU head coach Jane Albright said. “It’s kind of sad to say you’re proud of having 28 turnovers, but they’ve got a defense that can intimidate a young team. What they do so well is to wear a team out with their defense. If weren’t in our locker room right now, they’d probably be guarding us.” Opening the contest by spotting the Shockers four points, the Lady Razorbacks went on a 16-0 run over the next five minutes, forcing Wichita State to call a timeout and stop the Arkansas momentum. The plan worked momentarily for Wichita State as they closed the deficit to three, but another Arkansas run, this time of 13 points gave the Lady Razorbacks a 16-point lead midway through the first. Arkansas held Wichita State without a basket for over six minutes during the stretch, then kept the Shockers from scoring a field goal for the final 5:50 of the first half. With the lead, Arkansas continued to pressure Wichita State culminating in their 22 point halftime lead. During the period, Rochelle Vaughn and Sarah Pfeifer each contributed 10 points as 11 Lady Razorbacks saw time on the floor. While Pfeifer led the Lady’Backs in scoring with her career high 16, Arkansas managed to put two additional players in double digits including Kristin Peoples with 15 and Rochelle Vaughn with 14. Wichita State’s Kiki Stephens was the Shocker’s leading scorer with 14 points followed closely by Busenitz with 12. The Lady Razorbacks are back in action on Tuesday, Dec. 7, when they go on the road to take on the Memphis Tigers in Memphis, Tenn. For more information about Lady Razorback basketball or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com. — LADY RAZORBACKS —