The Lady Lions hosted the Lady Cobras of Virginia Intermont College. It was a sloppy game, but the Lady Lions fought hard to win in the final minutes by a score of 60-55. Bryan played without starting post player
Sarah Newton, who was out due to injury.
The game started off sloppy for both teams. After a few minutes into the first half, it looked like the Lady Lions had settled in and would take over the game as they built a 5-point lead. However, the last-place Lady Cobras refused to give in to the top-ranked Lady Lions. Virginia Intermont began shooting lights out, hitting 58.3% from the floor in the first half. The Lady Cobras built a lead up to 32-20 with about a minute left to play in the half. However, the Lady Lions scored the last 6 points of the half to go into the locker room down 32-26.
In the second half, the Lions would have to pick up their play on both ends. After having 14 turnovers in the first half, the Lady Lions had only 6 in the second half and held the Lady Cobras to just 30.3% from the floor. Virginia Intermont did build a 10-point lead in the second half, but it was not enough to hold Bryan off. With just 2:05 left to play, Bethany McArthur hit a 3-pointer to give the Lions a 53-50 lead. It was the first lead of the half for the Lady Lions and they would not relinquish it, as they outscored their opponents 10-5 to close the game.
In the end, the Lady Lions depended on their strengths to win the game. They hit 19 of their 23 free throw attempts, while the Lady Cobras only attempted 18. Bryan also outrebounded their opponents, grabbing 48 rebounds compared to the Virginia Intermont's 30.
Anna Thomas led the Lady Lions with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Amber Smith added 12 points while grabbing 9 rebounds. Jessica Southern ended with 9 points and 8 boards. Cori Jones added 6 points, 7 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists.
Virginia Intermont was led by Priscilla Moseh with 17 points.
Bryan Head Coach Jamy Bechler commented: "Virginia Intermont really played inspired basketball. They are a much better team than their record indicates. They came out shooting well, and we didn't hit our shots. We had to scrap and claw to get back into the game. The Lady Cobras did a good job of being physical with us inside. We rely on getting to the line, and we only got there 7 times in the first half. Amber Smith and Anna Thomas did a good job of not getting frustrated down low. In the 2nd half, we just kept with our game plan and eventually got to the line. Our guards, Cori Jones and Bethany McArthur, did a good job of taking care of the ball and getting it to the right people at the right time."
The Lady Lions are now 13-4 overall and 4-1 in the AAC, standing alone at the top of the conference. They play again on Wednesday at conference opponent Montreat College. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30pm ET.
