ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Freshman Christi Thomas proved she has shed
the effects of a midseason bout with mononucleosis.
She scored a career-high 25 points Thursday night in
fifth-ranked Georgia's 74-51 win over Southeastern Conference rival
Mississippi.
"She is back full speed from the mono," said Georgia coach
Andy Landers. "But she is still about half of what I want her to
be as a player. I need her intensity to be higher and for her to
develop a greater understanding of what is going on out on the
floor."
Ole Miss Coach Ron Aldy was impressed with what he saw of Thomas
as she is.
"She is an outstanding freshman," he said. "She does so many
things and makes them look effortless. We knew she was going to
draw some attention."
Kelly Miller scored 20 points for Georgia, setting a free-throw
record in the process, grabbing five rebounds, passing out six
assists and getting a steal in 34 efficient minutes. She is already
where Landers hopes Thomas is someday.
"There are some players who understand what you really want,"
he said of Miller. "They involve that with all their capabilities,
and the worst thing that they ever do is make an occasional
mistake."
Mississippi (13-5, 1-4 SEC) went more than 12 minutes without a
field goal in the second half as Georgia (17-3, 5-1) built an
eight-point margin to a 30-point lead.
Georgia led 42-30 at the half after outscoring Mississippi 13-5
in the last 4:35 of the period.
The Lady Rebels closed within 48-40 on a 3-pointer by Becky
Myatt with 15:16 remaining. Georgia scored 10 straight points as
Tawana McDonald, who wound up with five blocked shots, kept the
Lady Rebels out of the middle.
After Myatt's goal, the Lady Rebels did not score another basket
until the 3:14 mark when Kayla Madewell hit a short jumper. At that
point, Georgia led 72-44.
Miller hit four free throws, extending her streak to 36 and
breaking the school record of 35 set by Lisa O'Connor in 1985.
Mississippi shot only 28 percent from the field.
Madewell scored 11 points in a reserve role for Mississippi.
Myatt added 10 for the Lady Rebels, who have lost five of seven
after starting the year 11-0.
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ALSO SEE
Women's College Basketball Scoreboard
Mississippi Clubhouse
Georgia Clubhouse
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