Blackbirds Defeat South Alabama, Claim LIU Turkey Classic Crown

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11/25/06 -- Senior Marquita Thompson (Garland, Texas) led the Blackbirds in scoring for a second game in a row as the Long Island University women’s basketball team downed South Alabama, 56-41, to win the LIU Turkey Classic Championship. Thompson netted a game-high 15 points and pulled down a game-high eight rebounds to pace the Blackbirds, who improved to 3-3.

Thompson was named the tournament’s most valuable player after averaging 17.5 points and 8.0 rebounds over two games. Junior Mikaelar Whippy (Suva, Fiji) was also recognized for her play, earning a spot on the all-tournament team. Whippy scored 11 points in the win over South Alabama and added five in Long Island’s 62-52 win over Cleveland State on Nov. 24.

The Blackbirds led for virtually the entire game. Thompson scored nine of her points in the first half, including a three-pointer that she calmly nailed as the shot clock was expiring. Fellow senior Sara Oblak (Skofja Loka, Slovenia) also had a strong first half, chipping in six points as Long Island took a 28-23 lead into the locker room at the half. Oblak finished with 12 points.

Foul trouble plagued the Blackbirds in the second half, but South Alabama could not capitalize on their trips to the line. The Lady Jaguars converted just three of their eight second-half free-throw attempts. South Alabama shot 5-for-10 from the line for the game, compared to Long Island’s solid 12-for-14 effort.

The Blackbirds also won the battle of the boards, outrebounding South Alabama by a 37-27 margin. Freshman Connie James (Galloway, N.J) collected seven caroms. LIU shot 40 percent from the field, while the Jaguars shot 36 percent.

Long Island will return to action on Tuesday, Nov. 28, when the Blackbirds host Navy at 7:00 p.m. at the Wellness, Recreation and Athletic Center.