LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN -- It is said that it is hard to beat a team twice. This could not have been any truer as it was Friday night when the Lady Scots basketball team welcomed the Pioneers from Wesleyan College. The last time these teams met in early January, the Pioneers found the edge as they beat the Lady Scots by 9. This was not something that sat well with Covenant, and they had been waiting for the chance to avenge that early loss.
From the opening tip, it was clear that this was not the same Lady Scots that took to the court on Wednesday. The defensive pressure was outstanding which has become the staple throughout the year for the Lady Scots. What has not been there for them this season has been the balance of both offense and defense, but tonight that was something that changed. In the first minute and a half, Covenant was off to the races with an 8-0 lead. And racing they were as they continued to get good looks on the offensive side, and their stifling man to man defense was as good as it has been.
Half way through the first half, the advantage had continued to grow as the score now had moved to 19-9, and the offense began to run on all cylinders. Throughout the first half, it was the tenacity on defense that continued to give patience to the offense that had been stagnant in the last 4 games.
As the first half came to a close, the Lady Scots ran their motion offense to perfection, and after 5 patient rotations, senior Emily Dupree cut hard to the basket and received the pass from junior Christine Core and made the lay-up with only seconds left on the clock.
Leading the Lady Scots at half were the junior captains Margaret Cross with 12 points and Hannah Craft with 8 points. The leading rebounders were fellow sophomores Jessie Blankenship and Kiaira Cooper as they both grabbed 4 rebounds in the first half. Covenant shot a lights out 42.9% (15-35) from the floor and a season best 85.7% (6-7) from the free throw line.
Leading at half was not something new for the Lady Scots as they have had the lead in six games this year but have only converted one of the leads into a win. Even with the great first half behind them, there was still a desire to not let down to start the second half. And right out of the gates, Cross was open and nailed a 3 in the corner, and with her swish of the net, the hoop seemed to get bigger and bigger.
Of all the Lady Scots to get hot on Friday night, sophomore Taylor Cameron was simply unconscious from behind the arc, hitting her first three 3's and finishing with 12 points. Alongside her in double digits were teammates Cross, Craft, and Blankenship. If 42.9% from the floor was good in the first half, 53.3% (16-30) from the floor in the second was incredible.
And as the game came to a close, it was clear that with a little offensive patience and patented lockdown defense, the future is bright for the Lady Scots who look to continue their winning ways Saturday night against Salem College. Tip-off is set for 6:00pm.
