FLORENCE, S.C. –
MaKayla Smith,
Destiny Johnson, and
Malikah Meyers all scored in double figures, but it was not enough as Conference Carolinas newcomer Francis Marion outscored the visiting Bobcats 36-17 in the first half en route to clinching a 72-57 win in the Conference Carolinas action this afternoon.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Francis Marion – 72; Lees-McRae – 57
LOCATION: Smith University Center – Florence, South Carolina
RECORDS: Francis Marion (3-4/2-3), Lees-McRae (0-6/0-4)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Smith shot 7 of 11 from the floor to lead the Bobcats in scoring with 16 points, while also chipping in two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Johnson added 14 points on 7 of 16 shooting to go along with five rebounds and three steals, while Meyers tallied 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
- Aurora Roberts added six points and three rebounds.
- Francis Marion scored eight of the first 10 points and held onto the momentum to take a 17-7 lead at the first intermission.
- The Patriots outscored the Bobcats 19-10 in the second quarter to claim a 36-17 halftime advantage.
- Lees-McRae trimmed the deficit to 14 points on multiple occasions in the second half, but it was not enough as Francis Marion clinched the conference win.
- The Bobcats forces 23 turnovers by the Patriots en route to a 17-4 edge in points off turnovers but were outrebounded 54-29.
- Lees-McRae also held a slim 10-8 advantage in fastbreak points.
FOR THE FOES:
- Lauryn Taylor scored a game-high 22 points to go along with a game-high 11 rebounds to lead the Patriots.
- Zaria Woods and Scarlett Gilmore also scored 19 and 14 points respectively.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcat will look to end their recent losing streak as they visit Converse next Saturday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
