Shelton shines as ORU routs Lamar
BY JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Friday, January 25, 2013
1/25/13 at 5:09 AM
Oral Roberts retired the No. 42 jersey of former men's basketball player Mark Acres at halftime of a Thursday night home game against Lamar.
And, in a women's game preceding the men's game, ORU junior center Sarah Shelton - she wears No. 42 - did justice to Acres' old number.
Shelton produced her first double-double of the season, grabbing a season-high 12 rebounds and scoring 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Freshman forward Taylor Cooper added a career-high 20 points as Oral Roberts blew out Lamar 77-48 at the Mabee Center.
Lamar entered the game with a share of the Southland Conference lead and the nation's 28th-best field goal percentage defense, but left with a lopsided loss because the Golden Eagles doubled the Cardinals 36-18 in paint points.
After ORU improved to 8-9 overall and 5-2 in league play, coach Misti Cussen said Shelton is a different kind of post player than others at her position. Cussen described Shelton as special and not just because of her 6-foot-3 height.
"She's very springy," Cussen said. "She has got that volleyball background and she knows how to go up and block at the net. She uses that skill set to go up and get those high-arching passes that come in there for her and then she finishes so well right at the basket. That's hard to guard."
Shelton credited teammates for being able to find her in open spots.
Said Cooper, "Sarah is just an easy target for everyone to hit."
Kevi Luper and Jaci Bigham added 13 points each.
Dominique Edwards and Kalis Loyd led Lamar (12-5, 5-2) with 11 points each.
Jimmie Tramel 918-581-8389
jimmie.tramel@tulsaworld.com
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