Sophomore guard Gracie Brunel scored a career-high 21 points and senior captain Jahpera McEachin compiled her second consecutive double-double for the LaGrange College women's basketball team during a 94-20 triumph over Agnes Scott on Saturday in Mariotti Gym.
McEachin finished with 13 points and tied a career-best five steals. Her 11 assists are tied for the fourth most in a single game in program history. Brunel led all scorers and shot an efficient 9-for-13 from the field, to go along with four rebounds, four steals and three assists.
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The Panthers (2-0, 2-0 USA South) scored a combined 200 points over the last two days against the Scotties (0-2, 0-2 USA South).
"It was a great beginning to our season," said Brunel. "I feel like our team came out strong. We have a few things to work on, but our group has great chemistry. I am excited to see how we perform the rest of the season."
Junior guard Jalaya Lewis finished with career-highs of 14 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Senior captain Megan English recorded 11 points and a personal-best nine rebounds to lead the team. She shot 5-for-9 from the field.
LaGrange scored 21 or more points in all four quarters. The Panthers did not allow more than nine points in any quarter.
"We are happy with our start to the season but recognize that there are many areas we can improve in," said LaGrange College women's basketball head coach Jasen Jonus. "We will focus on our offensive execution and defensive schemes in practice. Our depth continues to be a pivotal part of our success. We got strong contributions from all 12 players again."
FIRST-HALF HIGHLIGHTS:
Seven consecutive points by Lewis gave the Panthers an 11-0 lead with 6:09 left in the first quarter. Brunel buried a right-baseline 3-pointer off an inbounds pass by McEachin, pushing the advantage up to 17-2 with 4:43 on the clock. During the play, sophomore Breonna Glover did an outstanding job serving as a decoy with an aggressive cut to the basket, creating the opportunity for Brunel.
Two defensive possessions later, McEachin stole the ball, and then fed Brunel for an easy layup with an over-the-top transition pass. McEachin had six assists and four steals in the first quarter. LC led, 25-2, at the end of one.
Early in the second quarter, Brunel showcased her mid-range game. She nailed a right-baseline jumper off dribble penetration by Lewis. Then, Brunel passed up a three-ball for a better right-elbow jumper with 7:58 remaining, as the Panthers built a 29-4 cushion. Seven Panthers scored in the second quarter and the unit took a 48-11 lead into halftime.
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SECOND-HALF HIGHLIGHTS:
The Panthers were relentless in the effort category at the end of the third quarter. They corralled six offensive rebounds on a single possession, with three by Lewis, two from sophomore Morgan Grant and one by junior Nia Johnson. Lewis recorded a steal with six seconds left, and then converted a layup for a 73-16 LC advantage heading into the fourth.
English finished an offensive-rebound layup with 6:03 left in the fourth, putting the hosts in front, 81-17. LC finished the game on an 13-0 surge and did not allow the Scotties to score over the final 5:41.
ENTRIES INTO THE RECORD BOOK:
The Panthers only gave up 20 points, tied for the third fewest allowed in program history. The team's 24 steals are good for the fourth most in school history, while the 74-point win is tied for the sixth largest margin of victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
LaGrange held a 56-32 advantage in rebounding and led, 50-2, in points off turnovers. LC forced Agnes Scott into 35 turnovers and only committed nine.
Junior captain Jada Brown finished with 14 points and six rebounds, shooting 6-for-10 from the field. Glover and sophomore Jada Strickland went to work in the low post, combining for 10 points and 10 rebounds.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE:
The Panthers are 33-7 all-time against Agnes Scott and 18-2 in Mariotti. LaGrange has won 22 straight games in the rivalry dating back to 2009. On Friday night, LC enjoyed its largest margin of victory in the series, winning, 106-25, in Mariotti.
UP NEXT:
The Panthers are scheduled to play Covenant on Thursday at 6 p.m. in Mariotti.
Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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