In a battle of the last two undefeated teams in the Gulf South Conference, the Lee University Lady Flames (5-0, 2-0 GSC) held off No. 19 Union University (5-1, 1-1 GSC) for the 74-66 upset win.
“We have come to the point in our program that we expect to win and we expect to be able to compete with teams like this,” said Lee head coach Marty Rowe. “I’m really proud of our group right now.”
Five Lady Flames scored in double figures with Kayla Beavers leading the way with 17 points. Beavers made 5-of-6 from beyond the arc and was 2-for-2 at the free throw line.
Shelby Brown recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Carrie Cheeks tallied 13 points to go along with seven rebounds. Erin Walsh canned two 3-pointers to finish with 12 points, while Emileigh Swafford added 11 more to the winning tally.
Alex Swope had a solid showing with five points, three rebounds and five assists. Jordan Neuharth was the Lee assist leader with six.
Amy Philamlee poured in a game-high 28 points for the Lady Bulldogs. The senior guard also dished out eight assists. DeAnna Thompson contributed 16 markers to the cause and Amber Rechis gave Union three players in double-figures with 11 points. Kelsey Risner grabbed a game-high 14 boards.
Union entered the game shooting nearly 42 percent from 3-point territory. Saturday afternoon the Lady Flames held them to 5-of-22 (.227) from distance. Lee was 10-for-28 (.357) from beyond the arc.
“To keep a team that far below their season average should be a source of pride,” said Rowe. “You have to do that to beat a team like them.”
Lee held a slight edge in the rebounding battle. The Lady Flames came down with 36 boards, while the visitors recorded 34 rebounds.
The Lady Flames will hit the road for the first time this season on Wednesday when they travel down I-75 to take on Valdosta State University. The GSC contest is scheduled for a 6 p.m. tip-off.
“It’s going to be tough on the road,” added Rowe. “I’ll have to tell them the next couple weeks are their chance to get much better without having to worry about class and final exams.”