Feb. 24, 2005

Manning's 17 points lifts Mobile to 83-76 win over SUNO

MOBILE, Ala. -- The University of Mobile (22-7, 13-4) kept alive their hopes of winning the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular season title by defeating Southern University-New Orleans 83-76 Thursday night at home on Senior Night.

Lone senior Jessica Barber, who was injured on Feb. 5 in a game against William Carey, reemerged in the Rams’ starting lineup tonight in the team’s final home game. Barber connected on 1-of-2 three point attempts in the three minutes of action that she saw scoring three points in her first action since the injury.

However, it was Kelli Manning’s 17 points, 11 rebound performance that stole the show. Manning was a perfect 6-of-6 from the floor and knocked down 5-of-6 free throw attempts in leading the Rams to victory.

Mobile also got 17 points from junior Kinga Rybarczyk, 11 points from Lakita Ford and 10 from Sandra Kostandinovic.

With the win, Mobile stays within one game of Xavier University for the conference lead.

The Rams finish up their regular season on Saturday evening against cross-town rival Spring Hill College. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

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