ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, March 2, 1997 basketball TAG: 9703040011
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: LYNCHBURG
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
Freshman Elena Kisseleva scored 32 points and grabbed 14 rebounds on Saturday as Liberty University rallied for an 89-82 upset victory over top-seeded North Carolina-Greensboro in the championship game of the Big South Conference women's tournament at the Vines Center.
Kisseleva, named the tournament's most valuable player, hit 16 of 17 free throws down the stretch, including four straight in the final two minutes.
The Spartans (20-9), who led 54-41 early in the second half, held a 63-53 advantage with 13:32 remaining. Liberty (22-7), which earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance, then went on a 14-4 run to tie score at 67 with 9:44 to play. Michelle Wyms hit a layup with 6:59 left to give the Flames the lead for good at 73-71.
Sarah Wilkerson scored 19 points for Liberty to join Kisseleva and teammate Sharon Wilkerson (14 points) on the all-tournament team.
Melinda Goodson, who scored 25 points for UNC Greensboro, and Winthrop's Jennifer Churchill completed the all-tournament team.
LENGTH: Short : 29 linesby CNB