Box Score
For 32 minutes coach Marty Rowe said his Lee women's basketball team played well but he was not pleased with the final eight minutes of action by his Lady Flames as they opened Gulf South Conference play on Monday evening at Walker Arena.
Lee led by as much as 16 points in the second half against a very quick and athletic West Florida team. The 58-53 outcome was never seriously threatened but 25 turnovers made things a little uncomfortable for the veteran Lee coach.
It was a history-making night for the Lady Flames as they recorded their first Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II victory. Rowe's club will have very little time to rest before another GSC opponent visits on Thursday to close out the pre-Christmas schedule.
"I know our girls were a little banged up and leg weary after two challenging road games at Bellramine and Bethel last week," said Rowe. "We are not looking to make excuses and we certainly cannot afford to make the careless mistakes we made in the final eight minutes. Our girls are going to have to realize that none of the teams in this league will quit if we get out to a 15-point lead."
Lee led by 10 points at the break, 31-21 and its defense held the speedy Argonauts in check. The lead continued to grow during the first 12 minutes of the second half but floor mistakes and improved shooting by the Pensacola club narrowed the gap.
The Lady Flames were paced by senior Karley Miller. Her double-double consisted of 17 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots. She was 7-of-13 from the field, 1-of-2 from 3-point range and made 2-of-4 free throws in 32 minutes of playing time. "That was probably Karley's best ever all-around game for us," complimented Rowe. "She has really stepped up her play in the last three games." Rowe pointed out that Miller also had nine offensive rebounds as Lee won the battle of the boards 53-27.
Hollie German tallied 13 of her 16 points in the first half. She added four rebounds and two assists. Jenna Adams also registered a double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds. Only six Lady Flames scored. Myriah Iles came off the bench for six points and four rebounds, while Madison Lee had six boards to go along with her two points and three assists.
Lee shot 41 percent from the field (21-of-51) but struggled a bit at the line, converting 10-of-18. The defense held West Florida to 29 percent shooting (18-of-63). The Argonauts did convert 13-of-17 freebies. Tessah Holt had 17 points and nine rebounds in the loss, while Jenny Menz came off the bench to add 14.
The Lady Flames improved to 5-2 overall and West Florida dropped to 5-3. Community Appreciation Night continues on Thursday against Valdosta. Adults will be admitted for half price ($3) while high school age students and younger will be admitted free.