On Wednesday night, a strong Emory team set back LaGrange for the second time in two weeks, 84-72.
The hot-shooting Eagles came out firing and knocked down 11 points before the Panthers answered more than 6 minutes into the game. Once LC found its footing, the contest was a much more even affair.
"I'm proud of how our team battled back after a slow start to the game," said Head Coach Jasen Jonus. "We never gave up and showed a lot of fight the whole game."
The Panthers finished the first quarter down 18-11, then fought back to tie it at one point in the second. The score stood at 34-28 at the half.
In the third, LC fought to within three points, but that was as close it would get. A supportive home crowd wasn't enough, and the Eagles stretched their lead into the final quarter.
The Panthers were led in the game by some young talent. Freshman Laila Battle set the pace in scoring with 20 points, followed by sophomore Zyhia Johnson with 18.
In rebounds, two freshmen led the way: Amanda Mclendon had eight and Skylar Edwards had four.
LaGrange hit 39.3% of its field goals to Emory's 50%, but neither team shot well outside the arc.
"Emory has a very talented team, and I've been telling our players that we're never losing a game, we're only learning from it to make us better for the future," said Coach Jonus. "Our future is bright. We have to stay together and bounce back one game at a time."
The Panthers travel this weekend and will face Pensacola Christian on Saturday at 2 p.m.
