Links: Program | Game 1: Video / Live Stats | Game 2: Video / Live Stats
The LaGrange College women's basketball team will face its biggest test of the 2021 season to date on Thursday with a 3 p.m. showdown against Maryville in Mariotti Gym. The teams will wrap up the two-game series on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Maryville, Tennessee.
"Maryville has always been good competition for us," said senior captain Jahpera McEachin. "I know we are prepared for the challenge."
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Both teams enter the game with identical 8-0 records in the USA South. The Panthers and Scots sit atop the USA South West Division and Piedmont is right there with a 7-0 record. The top-four teams qualify for the two-round West Division tournament on March 3 and 6, with the higher seeds hosting the games.
"For competitive student-athletes, like the ones here at LC, it is easy to get up for big games," said LaGrange College women's basketball head coach Jasen Jonus. "Maryville's storied history speaks for itself and the Scots are loaded with talent this year. We are going to have to play 40 minutes of high-energy basketball if we want a chance to win these games. We cannot take any possession for granted. We need to be laser-focused from the opening tip."
The Panthers and Scots split the 2019-20 series. Maryville won, 54-48, in Mariotti. The Panthers countered with a 52-48 comeback victory at Maryville, rallying from a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter. LC picked up its second-ever win at Maryville and first since 2012. The 48 points are the fewest that the Panthers have given up to the Scots in 50 all-time meetings.
The Panthers' last win against the Scots in Mariotti was a 71-59 decision on Feb. 3, 2019. McEachin scored a team-high 19 points, going 6 of 10 from the field and 5 of 6 on 3-pointers. The five made 3-pointers are tied for a career-high.
"This weekend is going to be the ultimate test for our team," said junior guard Jalaya Lewis. "Our defensive intensity is what steps our offensive game up. When we do the little things the right way, success will always come. I am confident in our team and coaches to lead us to more big wins this weekend."
JAHPERA THE GREAT:
McEachin is compiling one of the best seasons in LC women's basketball history. She has recorded three double-doubles and scored 25 or more points on four occasions. The Federal Way, Washington, native tied the program's single-game record with 14 assists in a 106-25 win over Agnes Scott on Jan. 15.
McEachin has pulled down eight or more rebounds in four games and recorded five steals three times. The 5-foot-5 guard ranks second in assists per game (6.9) in the USA South, third in points (20.5) and fourth in steals (3.1). McEachin is first in 3-point shooting (53.8%) and second in free-throw shooting (88.6%).
On Jan. 25, McEachin became the first Panther to earn USA South Women's Basketball Player of the Week honors since Marilauren Farr '19 on Nov. 19, 2018. McEachin tallied career-highs of 27 points and 10 rebounds in a 75-60 triumph over Huntingdon on Sunday.
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THE GRACIE FACTOR:
Sophomore guard Gracie Brunel has scored 15 or more points in three games this season. She is coming off her best performance in a Panther uniform Tuesday against Wesleyan. Brunel scored a collegiate-high 22 points, dropping 11 in the third on 3-of-4 shooting from 3-point range and a 4-for-6 effort from the field.
Brunel's versatility and high basketball IQ add another dimension to the Panthers. She shot a combined 10 of 10 on 2-point field goals in a pair of wins over Agnes Scott on Jan. 15 and 16.
BRING THE ENERGY JADA AND JALAYA:
Junior captain Jada Brown and Lewis affect the game in countless ways on both ends of the court. Brown is averaging 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals. Lewis maintains marks of 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.4 steals per game.
Lewis has done an outstanding job extending her shooting range to beyond the 3-point line. After only making two treys in 2019-20, she has connected on 16 this season and is shooting 39.0% from deep.
KEEP POSTING UP BREONNA:
Sophomore forward Breonna Glover has made huge strides in the low-post game. She has scored seven or more points in four games and pulled down seven or more boards three times.
She posted her first collegiate double-double with career-highs of 19 points and 16 rebounds during a 92-50 triumph at Wesleyan on Feb. 10. The 16 boards are tied for the sixth most in a single game in program history.
Assistant Sports Information Director Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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