Written by: Danny Talbert
Taylor Smith's team-high 15 points and Amanda Mclendon's incredible 10 rebounds helped the Panthers secure a 70-61 victory over Sewanee. The Tigers guard Kayla Antoine scored game-high 17 points against the host Panthers.
First half
Taylor Smith scored the first points for the Panthers. Laila Battle threw a half court pass that found Smith under the basketball for her to finish. Taylor Smith scored the first six Panther points, bringing the LC lead to 6-2. The Panthers suffocating defense held the visiting Tigers to just two points in the first seven minutes of the game. LC led Sewanee 15-4 at the end of the first period. Smith led the Panthers in points (6) while shooting 60% from the field. The Tigers made two quick three pointers in the second quarter to bring the LC lead to 18-10 with less than eight left. The best Panther play of the half came at the six minute mark by Amanda Mclendon. The forward hit a smooth up-and-under layup and was rewarded with the 'and-one' to bring the lead to 23-15. Both teams traded points the rest of the half. LC led 37-25 at the break. Taylor Smith led LC in points (9) by shooting 45% from the field and 33% at the line. She also accounted for three rebounds and one assist.
Second half
The Tigers came out of the break hitting everything they took. The visitors went on an 11-4 run which forced a LC timeout. Out of the timeout, LC took back control to extend their lead to 50-36 on a 9-0 Panther point run with three minutes in the third. Sewanee was able to capitalize on their threes and LC shots began not to fall during the rest of the third. The score at the end of three was 53 LC 44 SU. Laila Battle led the Panthers in points (7) and assists (3) in the third quarter. Sewanee again started the quarter hot. They went on a 7-2 run to begin the fourth which brought the LC lead to 53-51. LC buckled down and began playing tight defense and taking smart shots. The Panthers scored the next nine of 11 points, which brought the lead to 62-53 with the clock under four. LC continued to fight and was able to hold onto the win. The final score was 70-61.
Key Panther performances
Taylor Smith had an outstanding game today against the visiting Tigers. She scored a team-high 15 points on 40% from the field and 60% from the line. She also grabbed four rebounds and had one assist.
Amanda Mclendon also had a phenomenal performance today. She had a team-high 12 rebounds while also accounting for eight points.
Despite a slow start in the first half, Laila Battle ended up with the second most Panther points. She scored 11 points while shooting 36% from the field and 25% from three.
Next game details
The Panthers hit the road to face Emory on Nov. 14. Tipoff is at 6 p.m.
