The LC Women's Basketball team rode a second-half surge to victory against Oglethorpe Sunday afternoon in Mariotti Gym, 69-65.
The Panthers were outscored 28-41 in the first half, but nearly reversed those numbers in the final two quarters with a total of 41 compared to the Stormy Petrels' 24.
"Oglethorpe has a well-coached team, and they were ready for us," said Panther Head Coach Jasen Jonus. "I love the fight that we had tonight to battle back from being down. We made some adjustments at halftime and came out and played tougher."
Still behind 54-52 at the start of the fourth quarter, the team's final surge began with 6 minutes remaining on the clock. With 1:44 left a Jada Strickland layup tied the store at 60 all.
Then, with only 26 seconds remaining, a Zyhia Johnson steal and subsequent layup put the team ahead 63-64. The Panthers added 5 free throws for a cushion before the final buzzer.
It was quite a comeback since the Panthers had not been in the lead since the game's first minute.
Johnson led the team with 23 points on the day. She was followed by Laila Battle and Jada Strickland, who both had 11.
Battle and Strickland led the way in rebounds with 8 apiece. Amanda Mclendon had 6.
"We are continuing to get better every day and every game," Coach Jonus said. "I'm so proud of 1-18 on my team for their teamwork and will to win."
Next, the Panthers take on Asbury at home on Saturday at 2 p.m.
