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Fowles carries LSU back to regional semifinals

Mar 20, 2007 - 5:14 AM AUSTIN, Texas (Ticker) -- Sylvia Fowles continued to let her game do the talking.

Fowles scored 21 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as third-seeded Louisiana State notched its fifth consecutive appearance in the "Sweet 16" with a 49-43 victory over No. 11 West Virginia in the second round of the NCAA Tournament's Fresno Region.

A team besieged by questions after coach Pokey Chatman's departure amid allegations of improper conduct with a former player, the Lady Tigers (28-7) advanced to face No. 10 Florida State in the regional semifinals on Saturday.

Despite trailing by 11 points with just over 12 minutes remaining, LSU rallied behind Fowles, who scored 14 points after the break.

The 6-6 junior had six points, including the capping layup, during a 12-0 run that gave the Lady Tigers a 36-35 lead with 7:58 left.

Although a jumper by Ashley Powell returned the lead to the Mountaineers (21-11) at 39-38 with 5:49 remaining, Fowles came back with a jumper in the lane and a layup for a four-point edge.

LSU later sealed the contest by converting 3-of-4 free throws in the closing 24 seconds.

Powell scored 13 points and Chakhia Cole added 11 for West Virginia, which shot 38 percent (18-of-48), including 1-of-12 on 3-pointers.