LaGrange used a suffocating defense in beating Covenant 68-42 in a USA South game Tuesday night in Mariotti Gym. The win upped the Panthers' record to 10-6 overall and 5-2 in conference play.
The Panthers had a balanced scoring attack. Senior Megan English led all scorers with a career high 13 points. English was a perfect 3-for-3 shooting 3s. Gracie Brunel and Breonna Glover had 12 points each. Glover also pulled down a game high nine rebounds. LC's trio of post players, Glover, Jada Strickland, and Bobbi Whitaker, combined for 19 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.
The Panthers forced 21 turnovers in the game, converting them into 22 points. They also had a 16-5 edge in second chance points and a 12-5 advantage on the offensive boards.
Coach Jason Jonus
"The defensive intensity was what we needed. As I said after the last game, our defense creates our offense. From the tip tonight, I was really proud of the way we played in the half court. Breonna came within a rebound of a double double and did an amazing job. I feel we have the best post players in the conference. We have two tough games coming up against Brevard and Piedmont, so we'll try to get our legs back under us."
The Game
The Panthers led 17-13 after the first quarter. Covenant (6-5, 3-2 USA South) used four three pointers in the period to stay close. Kendra Roberts' two free throws broke a 13-13 tie and LC never trailed again. Roberts' free throws began a 13-0 run by Panthers into the second quarter. Brunel's trey off an assist from Karson Troth made it 26-13. English's second 3-pointer of the half pushed the lead to 15, 36-21. The Scots scored the final five points of the half to trail 36-26 at the break.
The Panthers dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Scots 21-9. Covenant was held to 3-of-13 shooting in the period. Jalaya Lewis' drained a 3-pointer to put LC up 57-35 heading to the final period. The two teams combined for only 18 points in the last quarter. English drove the lane for a layup to give the Panthers their biggest lead, 64-37, with 5:26 remaining.
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