Box Score SPARTANBURG, SC - The women's basketball team took on the Converse College Valkyries on Saturday. The Lions defeated the Valkyries, 76-72, moving their record to 18-9 overall and 15-6 in conference.
The teams matched each other point-for-point in the first quarter. After the first 10 minutes of play, the game was tied, 20-20.
The Valkyries took control in the second quarter as the Lions struggled offensively. The Lions failed to score any points in the last four minutes of the first half, resulting in a nine point deficit for the Lions heading into halftime, 38-29.
The Lions finally started gaining momentum in the third quarter, slowly cutting into the Valkyries' lead. With 3 minutes remaining in the third, the Lions managed to regain the lead, 50-48. The Lions continued the run and extended their lead to 7 points. However, a late response from the Valkyries brought them back within 1 point by the end of the quarter, 57-56.
The Lions went on a 16-5 run in the first 6 minutes of the fourth quarter, giving them a 12 point lead, 73-61. The Valkyries put together a comeback attempt but were only able to come within 4, resulting in a victory for Emmanuel, 76-72.
Senior Ajah Taylor and junior Breanna Locke co-led the Lions with 19 points each. Taylor finished with 8 rebounds and Locke recorded another double-double with 12.
The Lions shot 42.9% from the field, 33.3% from three-point territory, and 81.5% from the free-throw line. The Valkyries outshot them, going 46% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 66.7% from the line.
Next up, women's basketball will play their senior night game against Lees-McRae at 5:30pm on Tuesday, February 25th.
