CLEVELAND, Tenn.-After leading by only 27-24 at the halftime break, the Lee women's basketball team stepped up to make key big shots in the second half and remain unbeaten in Gulf South Conference play (8-0) by defeating Delta State 64-48 inside Walker Arena on Friday evening.
Overall, the Lady Flames improved to 9-2 while the Lady Statesmen dropped to 4-5 against GSC opponents and 5-8 overall. Lee will return to action on Sunday afternoon and will close out the pre-Christmas schedule when they host Mississippi College. The opening tip is scheduled for 2 p.m.
"It was a good job by our team, hanging in there and finding a way tonight. Delta State made it hard on us on both ends and this was a good win," noted Lee Coach Marty Rowe. "We have to keep working to improve in all areas, but this team isn't afraid of hard work. Sunday will be a challenge against Mississippi College due to their style of play and quick turnaround, but we will be excited and ready to go."
Both teams got off to a slow start and Lee led 11-6 at the end of the first quarter. Delta State fought back and outscored the Lady Flames 18-16 in the second period to cut the lead to 27-24. The second half belonged to the home team. Lee made four key 3-pointers in the third period and shot 53% overall from the field in gaining a 47-39 lead. The hot shooting continued in the final frame as the Lady Flames again knocked down three triples and canned 50% of their shots to outscore the visitors 20-15 and claim the hard-earned victory.
Veteran leaders stepped up to play a role in the win. Haley Schubert led the way with 19 points, seven assists and four rebounds. Mallory Hampton added 12 points, four assists and four rebounds. Hannah Garrett made 5-of-6 shots from the field and finished with 11 points. Hampton, Morgan Carbaugh (8 points) Schubert, Mia Hurst, Garrett and Bailey Burgess made 3-pointers as the Lady Flames hit 10-of-27 triples overall. Coach Rowe said it was a three by Burgess that broke the 3-point scoring drought by Lee in the second half. "The freshman is not afraid to take a shot," praised the coach.
Overall, the Lady Flames shot 44% from the field (24-of-54) and 37% from long range (10-of-27). They were awarded eight free throws and made six. Lee lost the rebounding battle 28-27. Macy Woodworth was tops for the Lady Flames with nine rebounds and eight points. Lee had 18 assists to 13 turnovers and outscored the visitors 17-10 in points off the bench.
Camryn Davis led the Lady Statesmen with 15 points and seven rebounds. Grace Watson was 5-of-5 in shots from the field and finished with 11 points. Delta State shot 40% from the field (18-of-45) but hit just 2-of-10 3-pointers. The visitors canned 10-of-13 free throws and the Lee defense forced the Lady Statesmen into 18 turnovers.
