Written by: Danny Talbert
Zyhia Johnson's team-high 19-point performance cliches the Score victory over Principia College (Nov. 18).
First half
The Panthers came out in the first half dominating Principia. In the first three minutes, LC went up 12-4. Principia went on to respond with a three pointer and a layup to bring the Panthers lead to 12-9 with four minutes left in the first quarter. In the final minutes of the first, Laila Battle had the best Panther play of the half. While locking down her opponent, she was able to steal the ball from the Principia guard and then drive down the court and an under the basket shot. At the end of the first quarter, LC was up 20-12. LaGrange continued to dominate in the second quarter. Using great team communication and lock down defense, Principia was not able to do anything. LC led 41-24 at the half. The Panthers outscored them 21-12 in the second quarter. LC also out rebounded them 29-20 in the first half.
Second half
Principia came out in the second half clawing back. In the third quarter, they seemed to be hitting every shot they took. They won the third quarter 22-20. LC led 51-46 at the end of three. Principia started the final quarter on a 5-0 run to cut the Panther lead to 10 and force a LC timeout. The best play of the second half came with six minutes remaining. Taylor Smith hit Laila Battle with an amazing pass as she cut towards the basketball. Battle then made a quick move and finished the layup. LC held on the rest of the way to win 80-63 over Principia. The Panthers are now 4-1 on the season.
Key Panther performances
Zyhia Johnson led the team in scoring (19) while shooting 58% from the field and 100% from three. She also accounted for three rebounds, one block and a Panther-high five steals.
Taylor Smith had a double double today, with 16 points scored and a team-high 11 rebounds. She also had three assists today.
Next game details
The Panthers head back to Atlanta to face Oglethorpe (Nov. 21).
