Aug. 17, 2009

Birmingham, AL - March 15, 2009- (Note: This is one of series of stories looking back on sport champions from the 2008-09 season)

One year and day ago, Prairie View's nightmare became reality.

Star Gatti Werema crumbled to the ground, her ACL torn and their dreams consecutive NCAA appearances vanished. A torturous year of rehab and conditioning followed, but she never wavered in her work. And, on Saturday afternoon, all of the hard work was rewarded as she put on a dominating display of basketball. 29 points, 16 rebounds and countless hugs later, Prairie View captured another SWAC tournament title and Werema was the driving force in a 74-49 win over Southern.

"What can I say about her," said PVAMU head coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke. "She is a great, great player and she deserves all of the success she's earned. She led us back to here and to this win."

Early on, Southern had designs on spoiling the Prairie View story. After falling behind by as many as 14, the Lady Jaguars battled back and Deidra Jackson was the reason. She poured in 12 first half points, including two long three pointers and Southern was only down two at halftime.

That's when Cooper-Dykes demanded, and her team delivered, better defense. Over the next 20 minutes, PVAMU held Southern 17% percent shooting. The Lady Jags only scored 14 points, while the Prairie View fast break generated 37.

"We came out with a different focus defensively," Cooper-Dykes said. "I tell our players that we have to focus on our game and we were much more solid defensively and we were able to get out and get some easy baskets off our defense."

Candice Thomas added 18 points and Dominique Smith had 15 for the winners.

Jackson's 19 led Southern (17-13).

Prairie View advanced to the NCAA tournament and fell to number one seeded Oklahoma in the first round.