Central, SC – The Emmanuel Women's Basketball team traveled to Central, SC today to take on the Southern Wesleyan Warriors in conference action. The two teams were evenly matched from the start, with the Lions trailing 39-34 at the break. The Warriors continued to control the pace of the game in the second half and came away with a 73-62 win. With the loss, the Lions fall to 4-11 on the season and 3-5 in conference play.
The matchup was competitive from the start, with the teams trading points and the lead. The Lions pulled away to take a six-point lead, 18-12 and led the Warriors 21-16 after the first. In the first, the Lions were 6-12 from the field, (50%) and 8-10 from the free throw line.
In the second, the Warriors retook the lead, 33-28, but the Lions answered back on a basket by
Carmen Cabello-Rivera to bring the Lions back within two, 33-31. The Lions shot 30.8% from the field in the quarter, connecting on 5-8 from the foul line. At the break, the Warriors led by 5, 39-34.
In the third, the Lions got back on track offensively, connecting on 7-16 from the field. Emmanuel was 3-6 (50%) from three-point range. The Lions quickly closed the Warriors lead to one-point, 39-38 but the Warriors would answer with a 8-0 run to push their lead to 48-38. The Lions responded well with key three pointers by
Naomi Roberts and
Lizzie Teasley to get the Lions back within striking distance, 54-51 with 2:33 to play in the quarter but the Warriors closed things out strong, ending the third leading 61-52.
Early in the fourth quarter, SWU pushed their lead back up to double digits, leading by as much as 14 points but the Lions stayed competitive. The Warriors outscored the Lions 12-10 in the quarter to earn a 73-62 victory.
Three Lions ended the night in double figures with
Naomi Roberts leading the way with 15 points and four assists.
Abby Crawford contributed 14 points and
Maddie Futch added 10.
Addie Penick led the Lions with 8 rebounds, while
Maddie Futch had 7.
The Lions will be back in action on Saturday at Belmont Abbey at 2PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.