The Lee University women's basketball team advanced to the semifinal round of the Gulf South Conference Championship with a 77-54 victory over Mississippi College inside Walker Arena on Tuesday evening. The Lady Flames will face Valdosta State University on Saturday at a time to be announced later Wednesday by the GSC.
"Tonight was a really good win for our team. I thought once we settled into the game we did some really good things," commented Coach Marty Rowe after Lee improved to 23-6 on the year.
The Choctaws jumped out to a 17-13 advantage after one period of play. "Early on we pressed just a little bit and played hurried on the offensive end, but that had a lot to do with Mississippi College," explained Coach Rowe. "We've still got a lot to work on over the next couple of days, but we're excited and happy for this group."
Lee outscored the Choctaws 17-13 in the second quarter to tie the contest at 30 at the break. The second 20 minutes was no contest as the Lady Flames outscored the visitors 47-24 to take complete command.
Halle Hughes and Haley Schubert paced the Lee scoring, both with 17 points apiece. Hughes made 4-of-5 3-pointers and pulled down six rebounds. Schubert canned 8-of-14 shots from the field and dished off six assists. Hannah Garrett made 5-of-11 field goal attempts and finished with 11 points, five rebounds and four assists. Julia Duncan had two triples and eight points. All totaled, 11 Lady Flames scored.
Amelia Bell was the only Choctaw in double-figure scoring with 10. Ally Alford came on in a reserve role and finished with nine points. The Lee defense held the visitors to just 37% shooting from the field and only one 3-point shot for the game. Mississippi College had 18 free throws and made 11.
The Lady Flames shot a solid 49% from the field and made 10-of-23 3-pointers (44%). They converted just 9-of-17 freebies. The Choctaws won the battle of the boards 40-33 and Bell produced a double-double with 12 caroms to go along with her 10 points. Lee was guilty of 21 turnovers and the Choctaws nine, but they outscored the Mississippi club 28-23 in bench points.
