Written by: Danny Talbert
Panthers finish the regular season 1-1 against the Scots after suffering a 78-69 loss (Feb. 2).
First half details
The rematch between the Scots and Panthers felt reminiscent of the first game. The two teams looked evenly matched, and the game stayed competitive. The Panthers began the game with a slight lead, but the Scots went out in front 15-14 thanks to a last-second shot to end the period. Despite not starting tonight, Amanda Mclendon led the Panthers in scoring for the quarter with six points. The Scots began the next period jumping out to a 25-18 lead due to LC struggling to hit a shot. The Panthers trailed for the remainder of the half but were able to keep it close after Ashley Free hit back-to-back three pointers. The host Maryville Scots led at the break 35-26.
As a team, the Panthers shot 24% from the field and 23% from three. Forward Amanda Mclendon finished the half with 6 points, shooting 50% from the field. She also grabbed three rebounds and added two steals.
Second half details
The Panthers came out of halftime battling. Despite missing the opening shot, LC would grab a steal and hit a layup. On the next possession, the Panthers grabbed a defensive rebound and scored a jumper to cut the Scots lead to seven. Zyhia Johnson exploded in the third, scoring nine points. With two minutes remaining in the quarter, LC took a 49-48 lead after going on a 7-0 run. At the end of the third, LC led 54-48. The Panthers maintained a small lead in the final period, but the Scots stayed on their tail. With five minutes left, LC led 62-58. Similarly to the first half, the Panthers began to struggle to score. In the final five minutes, the Scots went on a 19-7 point run. Maryville would win 78-69.
Top Panther performance
Ashley Free scored a team-high 18 points, shooting % from the field and % from three. She also had three rebounds and two assists.
Next game
The Panthers travel to Kentucky to face Berea tomorrow at 2 p.m. The game can be streamed here.
