The Lakeland women's basketball team played host to the Owens Express today and fell by a final of 74-57. With the loss, the Lakers record falls to 11-6 and 6-2 in the OCCAC. The two teams split the season series. The first quarter was the difference as the Lakers struggled shooting the ball early. Lakeland was unable to match the energy level in the 1st quarter and trailed 28-10 at the end. To start the 2nd quarter, the Lakers put up a fight. After an Owens turnover, Monetta Hilory hit a jumper to try and spark a comeback. After an Express miss, Kanija Kimbrough scored on a layup. The Express would miss their next shot and then foul Joh'niqua Clay. Clay sank both free throws and the Lakers were within 12 at 28-16. Following another Express turnover, Hilory again connected on a jump shot. The Express would then turn the ball over again and foul Kimbrough. Kimbrough sank both free throws and suddenly it was an 8 point game, 28-20, mid-way thru the 2nd quarter. Unfortunately for the Lakers, that's as close as they would get. Lakeland would then miss a few shots and the Express took advantage as the Lakers fell in defeat.
Kanija Kimbrough was the games leading scorer with 23 points while Kennedy Coleman finished with 13 points. Joh'niqua Clay scored 8 points while Monetta Hilory finished her afternoon with 6 points. Gabriella Moore added 5 points while Emerson Hren chipped in 2 points in the Lakers loss.
Coach Gardy's Gab: "Give credit to Owens as they came out early and played hard. We did not mach the intensity today and just never really got going."
Next Up: The Lakers will travel to the Cuyahoga Eastern Campus on Wednesday (1/28) to play the Tri-C Triceratops in OCCAC action. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 pm.
