BANNER ELK, N.C. – Lees-McRae women's basketball defended the McNair & Debi Tornow Court this evening as the Bobcats topped Converse by a final of 60-56.
Sandra Mason paced the Bobcats with 15 points and
Rachel Leath followed with a career-high 11 points.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Lees-McRae –
60; Converse – 56
LOCATION: McNair & Debi Tornow Court – Banner Elk, North Carolina
RECORDS: Lees-McRae (2-18/1-14), Converse (4-21/4-13)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Jala Holloman knocked the first of a season-high 10 three-pointers for Lees-McRae at the 9:04 mark of the first quarter, but Converse had the three-point margin after 10 minutes.
- In the second period, Arriana Lizarraga made a jumper to cut the deficit to one point and Leath drained a three to give the Bobcats the 17-16 lead. Mason connected on another three with 1:53 remaining in the first half and Lees-McRae entered halftime with the 23-20 advantage.
- Dutka pushed the Bobcats back into the lead with a three of her own at the 4:43 mark and Dianna Spence doubled the margin to six points on the ensuing possession for Lees-McRae. Leath added to the Bobcat lead at 44-36, but Converse connected on two free throws to end the third at 44-38.
- Lizarraga made another jumper to start the fourth for the Bobcats, but the Valkyries cut the lead to four points with 4:48 left in the fourth quarter.
- Leath elevated the lead for Lees-McRae with her third three of the contest at 55-48 with 3:25 left in regulation. The Bobcats held off a late rally by Converse as Lees-McRae secured its first Conference Carolinas victory of the season at 60-56.
- The Bobcats had four players in double figures with Dutka and Aurora Roberts joining Leath and Mason to top the scoring column. Leath was a perfect 3-3 from beyond-the-arc and recorded four rebounds in the win.
- Roberts continued her solid senior season with eight rebounds and a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw in addition to her 10 points.
- Lees-McRae scored 17 points off 20 Converse turnovers and held the advantage with bench points at 31-18.
FOR THE VALKYRIES:
- Sydney Wilson led Converse in the scoring column with a double-double as the senior center had 19 points and 12 boards on the night.
- Zahra Cross followed with nine points, five rebounds, five steals, and two assists.
NOTEWORTHY:
- Head Women's Basketball Coach Keith 'Mister' Jennings earned his 50th career victory as a Bobcat in the 60-56 decision over Converse.
UP NEXT:
Lees-McRae women's basketball heads to Mount Olive, North Carolina for a 2 p.m. matchup with the Mount Olive on Saturday, Feb. 11.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
