The Lee women's basketball team watched a 14-point lead slip away in the final period but managed to hold on down the stretch for a 75-70 victory over the visiting Bryan College Lady Lions on Monday evening.
With just over five minutes remaining, the Lady Flames held what looked like a commanding 64-50 margin but the battling Lady Lions trimmed the lead to only one point with some 90 seconds remaining and forced a quick timeout by Lee coach Marty Rowe. It was 3-point baskets by Cheyenne Shaver that cut deep into the Lee lead and plus another trey by Keila Formont.
The margin grew to three points again and Lee on possession of the basketball after a missed shot by the Lady Lions.
Immediately, the visitors were ordered to foul freshman Haris Price who responded by knocking down four straight free-throws in helping seal the victory.
"We had the 14-point lead and just got loose with the basketball," commented Rowe after his team improved to 3-2 on the year. "We are not a good defensive team at all right now. If we could play the game like football when you have players playing on offense and others on defense, we would be a whole lot better right now. However, Bryan has the best basketball team they've had in several years. There's a reason they came in here 9-0 this evening. We still have a lot to clean up and a lot of film to watch before we even start thinking about Christian Brothers on Thursday."
The Lee offense was paced by Anna Woodford who tallied a double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds. She was extremely effective in helping the Lady Flames claim a 10-point lead at halftime. Erin Walsh had 14 points, including four 3s. She grabbed six rebounds. Price also finished the evening with 14 points and was 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. Kayla Beavers canned three 3-pointers, while Carrie Cheeks also registered nine points. Christina Johnson grabbed 10 rebounds and tallied six points.
The Flames shot 37 percent from the field and 30 percent from behind the arc. They converted 13-of-20 free throws and out-rebounded the Lady Lions 55-35. However, they were guilty of 17 floor mistakes to 14 for Bryan.
The Lady Lions were paced by 17 points by Shaver and Erisha Talley, who also made 6-of-7 shots from the field. Keily Foremont followed with 10 points. Shaver also paced her team in rebounds with seven.