The Lee University women's basketball team ran its season-opening win streak to three games with a 96-38 defeat of Life University Wednesday evening in Paul Dana Walker Arena. The Lady Flames (3-0) scored at least 20 points each period, while allowing no more than 11 in each on its way to the 58-point victory.
Life (4-4) jumped out 2-0 with a jumper by Kennesha Nichols 1:07 into the game, but the Lady Flames scored the next seven to hold a 7-2 lead with 7:26 left in the opening period. Lee stretched its lead to 12 at 20-8 following the first 10 minutes and led the Running Eagles 47-17 at halftime.
"I thought our execution in the second half, at times, was really good," admitted head coach Marty Rowe. "They got tired, our depth was really starting to pay off and that's kind of what we thought might happen is our depth paying off."
All 15 Lady Flames on the roster saw time on the floor with 14 of those posting at least two points.
Carrie Cheeks was the offensive leader for Lee. The senior tallied 16 points and completed the double-double with 14 rebounds. She also registered a four steals in the win.
Abby Bertram added 12 points and Erin Walsh made three 3-pointers on her way to 11 points. Maddie Long and Shelby Brown gave the Lady Flames five players in double digits with 10 points each.
The Lady Flames combined to dish out 28 assists with Bertram and Lindsey Roddy recording a game-high six assists each. Roddy added three rebounds, two points and three steals.
Lee made 34-of-72 (.472) shots from the field, including 15-of-37 (.405) from behind the arc. Life was held to 22-percent (13-for-58) from the floor and 5-for-21 (.238) from distance. The Lady Flames posted a plus-24 rebound margin (55-31) and turned 17 offensive rebounds into 23 second-chance points. Life scored 11 second-chance points from eight offensive boards.
"Our goal is to outrebound every team," added Rowe. "To be able to do it in a convincing way, especially with a big lead, is really good."
The Lady Flames outscored Life 38-6 in the paint and 45-20 in points off the bench. Lee forced 21 turnovers and were guilty of just 13 floor mistakes of their own.
"The best thing for us is to have quality depth all the way through and we do, but I want it to be even better," Rowe finished. "We learned we are really deep, have a lot of people that can make some shots and we want them to continue competing."
Lee returns to action on Saturday against North Greenville University. The non-conference matchup is scheduled for a 2 p.m. tip-off as part of the Jack Souther Classic.
Â
