February 16, 2004

CONTACTS: Kimberly Stark, 901-333-4023 -- Keith Gentry, 901-333-4114, 901-619-1899-cell

DOVER LEADS SALUQIS OVER COLUMBIA, LADY SALUQIS DEFEAT JACKSON STATE

Freshman point guard Jerry Dover scored a career-high 28 points, including seven three-point field goals, to lead the Southwest men's basketball team to a 90-86 win over Columbia State Saturday afternoon at the Verties Sails Gymnasium. In addition, Dover's nine steals tied the single game school record set by Gerald Burris against Westark Community College (Fort Smith) during the 1997-98 season. The win Saturday improved the Saluqis' record to 11-12 overall and 8-7 in the Tennessee Junior and Community College Athletic Association. Earlier in the week the Saluqis lost to 17th-ranked Jackson State 90-86.

The Southwest women's team defeated Jackson State 99-87 in their highest scoring game of the season. Five Lady Saluqis scored in double figures, led by Kaia Richardson, who scored a season-high 23 points. Point guard Lakus Bonner's 14 assists was also a career-high. The Lady Saluqis lost to Columbia State 88-83 Saturday afternoon in double-overtime. Their record now stands at 12-10 overall and 8-7 in the TJCCAA.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday night as they host Northwest Mississippi in a non-conference match-up. Game times are 6 p.m. for the women's game, followed by the men at 8 p.m. Both games will be broadcast locally on WUMR 91.7 FM. The Saluqis and Lady Saluqis will travel to Gallatin, Tennessee, this Saturday to play Volunteer State in the final regular season games. Game times for this are 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.