MEMPHIS-Visiting Lee started the game with a 31-9 run and never trailed as they defeated the Christian Brothers University Lady Bucs 69-57 Saturday afternoon at Canale Arena.
The Lady Flames (11-5, 8-5 GSC) scored the game's first seven, then used a 15-0 burst to extend their lead to 22-4 on a Christina Johnson layup. Another 9-0 run lifted them to a 31-9 lead on a Shelby Brown three-pointer with 9:18 to go in the first half.
The Lady Bucs (5-14, 3-10) cranked up their defensive pressure in the second half. After an Emileigh Swafford three-point play lifted the Lady Flames to a 59-40 lead, the Lady Bucs answered with seven straight. First,
Taylor Pugh (Memphis, Tenn./Briarcrest Christian HS) sank a free throw. After
Courtney Banks (Memphis, Tenn./White Station HS) sank a jumper,
Rachel Lee (Jackson, Tenn./Jackson Christian School) picked off a Lady Flames pass and scored a breakaway layup. Banks stole another pass and scored a breakaway layup of her own, bringing the Lady Bucs within 59-47 with 6:06 remaining. CBU would cut the lead back to 12 points three more times but could not come closer in the final minutes.
Breanna Ridgell (Memphis, Tenn./White Station HS) led the Lady Bucs with 14 points, and Pugh scored 11 with team-highs of 11 rebounds, four blocks and three assists. Banks scored 10, and Lee added a game-high five steals to her nine points and five rebounds.
Johnson led the Lady Flames with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Swafford scored 17, and Erin Walsh added 11. Alex Swope dished out a game-high 10 assists with five points.
Lee shot a sizzling 72 percent (18-of-25) in the first half, finishing the game at 54.3 percent (25-of-46) overall to CBU's 33.3 percent (22-of-66). Lee out-rebounded the Lady Bucs 38-33, but CBU held a 13-5 edge in offensive boards and forced 25 turnovers while committing 15.
The Lady Bucs play their next four games on the road, beginning Thursday night at 6 p.m. when they visit Mississippi College. Their next home game is Thursday, Feb. 12, when they host West Florida at 5 p.m.
