Chambers' Career Night Leads K-State Past Texas Southern

MANHATAN, Kansas  --   Brittany Chambers scored a school-record 42 points, including a program-best 29 in the first half, to lead Kansas State past Texas Southern, 72-44, in the opening round of the 2013 Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) at Bramlage Coliseum. With her 690 points this season, Chambers broke the program’s single-season scoring record, surpassing former Wildcat great Tammie Romstad’s total of 686 points in the 1979-80 season.

Chambers’ school-record 42 points on Thursday night bests the effort of K-State legend Kendra Wecker, who poured in 41 points against Illinois State on November 11, 2004 in the Junkanoo Jam in the Bahamas. Chambers registered her 42 points on 15-of-25 shooting, including a 9-of-15 effort from beyond the arc. Her 15 made field goals were the most by a Wildcats since Nicole Ohlde made 17 against Wyoming on Nov. 24, 2000. Her 42 points ties for 10th in Big 12 history, while her nine three-point makes is a new career-high and ties for fourth place in the conference. That mark also ties a WNIT record and ranks second in school history.

Sophomore guard Haley Texada chipped in 12 points to join Chambers in double figures. Texada has now scored 10 or more points in 18 games this season, which ranks second on the team. Despite scoring only two points, senior Mariah White was also a major contributor as she added five assists, eight rebounds and five steals on the night.

K-State began the game on a 13-0 run, fueled by a six points from Texada and five from Chambers. The Wildcats’ defensive pressure held Texas Southern without a field goal until the 12:16 mark. K-State’s defense - and Chambers’ red-hot hand - was the difference maker, as Chambers single-handedly outscored the Lady Tigers, 29-19, and K-State held Texas Southern to 26.9% from the field in the first half.

The second half saw more of the same as Chambers, despite missing her first four shots, poured in 10 points within the first 10 minutes of the final half. Behind Chambers, the Wildcats were able to extend their lead to 36 points at the 6:28 mark on the way to their second postseason win in as many years.

In addition to setting career- and school-highs in scoring on Thursday night, Chambers also tallied five assists and pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, marking her 14th double-double of her career.

With Thursday night’s win, Kansas State advances to the second round of the WNIT and will face Illinois State on Monday night at 7 p.m., in Bramlage Coliseum. Fans can purchase tickets for Monday’s contest online at www.kstatesports.com/tickets, by calling 1-800-CATS (2287) or in person at the K-State Athletics Ticket office, located inside the southwest entrance of Bramlage Coliseum. The game will be broadcast and available for free on K-StateHD.TV and throughout the K-State Sports Network.

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