The surging 4th-ranked Lee University women's basketball team matched a season-high 11-straight wins with outstanding defensive play in a 66-42 triumph over the University of West Alabama inside Walker Arena on Saturday evening.
The Lady Flames improved to 22-1 overall and continued to lead the GSC standings with a 14-1 record. They will be back in Walker Arena next Thursday and will host the University of West Georgia. Game time is slated for 6 p.m.
"Defensively we were active and really moved our legs tonight. That's what this team really needs to do every night, rely on the defensive end to spark us," praised Lee head coach Marty Rowe. He singled out the defensive effort of Nicky Widenski and Becca Cheeks. "To be up big on a good, young team like West Alabama and only make three 3's says a lot about our defensive effort." Lee connected on just 19% of shots from beyond the arc.
After a slow start the Lady Flames held a 17-11 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The defense picked up the pace in the second 10 minutes and put 21 points on the board while holding the Tigers to just four. The halftime tally found Lee on top 38-15. The Lady Flames extended the margin to 54-25 at the end of three frames and Coach Rowe began to call on his reserves for the last 10 minutes.
Balanced scoring was the name of the game up and down the lineup. Eleven Lee players scored and Widenski got top honors with 11 points, seven rebounds and four steals. Abby Bertram contributed nine points and four take-a-ways as the Lady Flames forced 29 West Alabama turnovers. Haley Schubert also had nine points while Lindsey Roddy and Taylor Boggess tallied seven each. Boggess had three steals and three rebounds. However, Lee lost the rebounding battle 40-28.
Bria Dent was the standout in the loss. She had a double-double, 15 points and 17 rebounds, which drew praise from Coach Rowe. The Tigers were held to 26% shooting from the field but converted 14 of 19 free throws. Lee's defense held West Alabama's leading scorer, Tazsa Garrett-Hammett to just six points and four rebounds.
The Lady Flames shot a solid 42% (24 of 57) from the field. They made 15 of 21 free throws. Turnovers played an important role in the win as the Lady Flames held a 29-4 margin. They also outscored the visitors 34-14 in points in the paint and raced to a 20-5 advantage in fast-break points.
"We'll look forward to finishing our regular season home schedule next week. It is important for us to continue to improve and play well at home," concluded Coach Rowe. After Thursday's encounter with West Georgia, Lee closes out the regular home season next Saturday against Auburn Montgomery.
