Family affair takes center stage in Lady Tigers victory over Nicholls State

The following is an article from Kelly McElroy of the DailyComet.com:

THIBODAUX — Scott Plaisance sat in Stopher Gym on Tuesday night watching as his wife, DoBee, coached the Nicholls State women's basketball team against LSU.

That alone would have been exciting enough for him.

But playing for the Lady Tigers was his oldest child, Theresa, a 6-foot-6 freshman forward.

Taking it all in with his son Scott Jr., he couldn't help but feel blessed.

"It was great ... the two loves of your life," he said after the game. "I was right on that line. It was exciting both ways. For DoBee to go against LSU, and of course for Theresa to play against her mom, it was a great opportunity for both of them."

In the end, the Lady Tigers topped Nicholls 88-35 and got a career-high eight points from Theresa on 4-of-5 shooting in front of increased media coverage and one of the largest crowds ever to watch a Nicholls women's basketball home game.

For mother and daughter, the game was special, but both said they were totally focused on playing once the game started.

"Once the ball was tipped off it was just like I was coaching any other team, even when she stepped onto the floor, we were in the zone trying to guard her, but it was a special moment in the end, getting to hug your daughter after the game," DoBee said. "I was pleased she did well, but disappointed in our lack of focus because we played great basketball up to this point."

Theresa, who entered averaging 2.3 minutes a game, is a former McDonald's All-American, who led Vandebilt Catholic High to the Class 4A title last season and the semifinals the year before.

"It was the first time for me and my mom," Theresa said. "We have played on the same side of the bench two years (in AAU ball). Playing against her, I generally know what to expect. I know my mom is one of the best coaches in the country, and I knew she was going to give it her all. There were a lot of nerves building up going in. I just tried to block everything out and stay calm. My mom will still love me in the end even though we beat them, and I love my mom so much."

Theresa, who grabbed five rebounds and had three assists in 12 minutes, scored the final two points of the first half as the Lady Tigers led 40-16 at halftime. She checked in for the first time with under 2 minutes to play in the first half.

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/eay3BD

Posted by Bob Starkey