Written by: Danny Talbert

LC dropped their first CCS game of the season in a Friday (Jan. 13) night showdown. Amanda Mclendon scored a team-high 15 points in today's loss. 

First half details

The game was close throughout the full forty minutes. The Panthers began the game with a small lead, but Berea kept it competitive. Each team traded points and Berea was able to take advantage of a couple of missed LC scoring opportunities to go up 17-13 at the end of the first quarter. Berea opened the second quarter going on an 11-3 scoring run to extend their lead to 28-16 after the Panthers shots stopped falling. One play that had the LC bench on their feet was when Skylar Edwards found a wide open Zyhia Johnson at the top of the arc for Johnson to knock down a much-needed Panther three. This play broke the Berea scoring run and opened the LC scoring floodgates. The Panthers were able to claw back to being down 32-23 at half. At half, forward Amanda Mclendon scored a team-high five points, shooting 40% from the field. 

Second half details

The Panthers began the second half by slowing things down and setting up plays on offense and using active hands and communication on defense. This fundamental basketball combined with the LC effort the players were showing helped the Panthers cut Berea's lead to 48-42 at the end of the third. LC continued to chip away at the visitors' lead in the fourth, but Berea was able to do just enough to hold on to win 61-60. 

Top Panther performance

Amanda Mclendon scored a team-high 15 points, while shooting 50% from the field. She also grabbed five rebounds and one steal.

Next game details

The Panthers stay home to face Maryville College tomorrow (Jan. 13) at 2 p.m.