CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Led by Haylee Johnson's 16 points and four assists, Lee University had four players score in double-figures in an impressive 66-51 victory over the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Saturday afternoon inside Walker Arena. The loss ended a seven straight win streak by the Chargers. The Lady Flames improved to 3-1 in GSC play and 9-1 overall and UAH dropped 3-1, 7-2.
The battle between the two rivals was tied at 12 at the end of the first period. Each team scored 16 points in the second period and the game remained even at the halftime break at 28. The Lady Flames finally broke away in the third period by outscoring the visitors 19-12 and led 47-40. The margin continued to grow in the final frame as Lee put 19 more points on the board and held the Chargers to 11.
Anna Muhonen and Mallory Hampton finished with 12 points apiece. Haley Cameron came off the bench and nailed three key 3-pointers and finished with 11 points. Lee had 16 assists and only 10 turnovers in the contest. Hampton dished off six of the assists and Muhonen joined Hampton and Johnson with three.
The Lady Flames' defense forced the Chargers into 22 floor mistakes and they had just 14 assists. Ivey Maddox hit three triples and led the UAH scoring with 13 points and Alexis Woods followed with 10 and led her team in rebounds with eight. Bella Woods pitched in with nine points and four assists.
Lee shot 44% from the field (24-of-55) and made 42% from beyond the arc, 10-of-24. Cameron hit 3-of-4 triple attempts and Mia Hurst canned 2-of-4. Free throws were hard to come by on either side, the Lady Flames made 8-of-9 attempts.
The Chargers also were successful with their shots overall, making 20-of-44 attempts (46%). They struggled from 3-point range, canning only 5-of-15 (33%). UAH went to the line eight times and made six. The 51 points scored by the visitors was 23 points below their average per game. The Lady Flames outscored the Chargers 22-3 in points off turnovers and 20-13 in points off the bench.
Lee will play two games before the Christmas break. They will face West Florida on Thursday and then moved back up to challenge Valdosta State next Saturday.
Coach Marty Rowe's thoughts:
"Today was a great team win. We defended with purpose and urgency which is what you have to do to have a chance against a team like UAH. We're growing as a group right now and we'll enjoy this win until Monday, then get back to work."
