Halle Hughes scored 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds in leading the Lee women's basketball team to a 63-59 victory over West Alabama inside Walker Arena on Monday evening. The GSC victory improved the Lady Flames' record to 14-4 and 21-5 overall. It also insured Lee of hosting the opening round of the GSC playoff on Tuesday, March 1.
"This was a really good win for our team. We have great respect for West Alabama and Coach (Rusty) Cram," said Coach Marty Rowe. "I thought we moved our legs and defended with great urgency especially in the first half, but the big key was how we rebounded the ball."
Hughes made 6-of-9 shots overall and 3-of-5 from long range. The Lady Flames were solid, hitting 21 of their 47 shots (45%) and 10-of-24 triples (42%). They struggled a bit at the line, making 17-of-25.
Hannah Garrett was the only other Lee player in double figures with 13 points. Haley Schubert added seven. Cam Grant totaled six points and six rebounds. Morgan Carbaugh hit a pair of 3-pointers in the first half for her six points. Julia Duncan and Addison Smith tallied five markers apiece.
Thirteen Lee players saw action and eight got over 12 minutes of playing time. "Depth was certainly a factor for us tonight and we need to keep getting great minutes from our bench," explained Coach Rowe.
The visiting Tigers were held to just 15 points in the first half and trailed 30-15 at the break. They got a lift from Tazsa Garrett-Hammett in the second half. For the game, she made 8-of-12 shots and 7-of-9 free throws in finishing with 23 points. Bria Dent followed with 14 points and eight rebounds.
West Alabama shot a solid 42% from the field (20-of-48) but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting 3-of-11 (27%). It also made just 10-of-17 charity tosses. Both teams took care of the basketball. The Tigers turned it over 14 times and Lee 13.
The Lady Flames will get little time to rest. They will host Christian Brothers on Thursday and close out the regular season against rival Union University next Saturday afternoon.
