Box Score The Panthers lost 80-74 to Belhaven in tonight's CCS Semifinals.
First half details
The CCS Semifinal game against Belhaven started off neck and neck. At the first media time-out, the game was tied at 10. In less than five minutes on the court, forwards
Amanda Mclendon and
Taylor Smith had six points and were 3-3 from the floor. At the end of the first quarter, the Panthers led 19-17.
Ashley Free scored a team-high seven points, shooting 75% from the field and 50% from three. In the first three minutes of the second quarter, the Panthers extended their lead to 24–19 thanks to Smith and
Ashley Free knocking down their free throws. Skylar Edward's and
Laila Battle helped LC keep this lead when they each scored contested layups. With four minutes remaining in the half, the Panthers led 31-23. LC extended their lead to 39-27 but a late three points from Belhaven closed the Panthers' edge to 39-30.
Ashley Free finished the half with a team-high 11 points, shooting 67% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc.
Second half details
The Panthers came out in the second half looking locked in. In just a blink of an eye, LC found themselves up 46-32. Over the next three minutes, the tough Blazer squad was able to claw back to being down 52-44. Going into the fourth quarter, the Panthers lead 54-49. Belhaven's Xhiir Burgess was keeping the Blazers in the game. At the end of the third, she scored 17 points, shooting an unbelievable 80%. Despite being well-guarded, she hit everything. Five minutes into the final quarter, Belhaven went up 63-61. Over the next three minutes, the Blazers continued to hit contested shots. In under two minutes, LC trailed 74-67.
Laila Battle made a quick move past her defender to hit a smooth layup and cut the deficit to 74-69. With under 30 seconds left,
Britney Chavez made a huge three to bring the game to 77-74. The Blazers did just enough to win 80-74.
Top Panther Performance
Senior
Ashley Free scored a team-high 13 points, shooting 57% from the field and 40% three. She also grabbed three rebounds and added two assists.
Next up
With tonight's loss, this ends the season for the Women's Basketball team.
