Heather Miller's free throw with four seconds left lifted LaGrange College to a 84-83 win over Emory University on Tuesday at Mariotti Gym. It was the 2010-11 season opener for the Panthers, while the Eagles slipped to 2-2.
Miller scored a game-high 20 points for the Panthers. Elizabeth Williams had 13 points. Katie Covington and Stefanie Schuck each had 12 points. Covington had a double-double with a game-high 12 rebounds. Kiah Britton pulled down 10 rebounds.
The Panthers enjoyed a 62-40 advantage in rebounding, including a 22-6 advantage on the offensive boards. It helped offset a 37.8 shooting percentage, that included 3-for-15 shooting 3's.
Emory led 49-41 at halftime. The Eagles matched their largest lead of the game on Savannah Morgan's basket to go up 55-41 at the start of the second half.
The Panthers chipped away at the Eagles' lead. Schuck made the second of two free throws to tie the game at 65 with 7:35 left.
The Eagles went up 77-73 but the Panthers came back. Miller's jumper put the Panthers up 81-79 with 1:13 left.
Morgan tied the game for the ninth and final time at 83 with 30 seconds left. Miller was fouled at the other end with four seconds left.
Miller missed the first free throw but made the second to put the Panthers up 84-83. The Eagles hurried down the court but were not able to get a shot off.
The Panthers play in the Methodist (N.C.) University tournament Saturday and Sunday. The Panthers face Virginia Wesleyan on Saturday and tournament host Methodist on Sunday.
