Panthers overcome early deficit to rout Atlanta Christian
Feb. 1, 2007

EAST POINT, Ga. – The LaGrange College women's team used a big first half run to wipe out an early deficit in route to an 81-61 non-conference win over Atlanta Christian College on Thursday. The Panthers upped their record to 11-8 with their third straight win. The Chargers dropped to 16-11 with their second straight loss to a GSAC opponent.

It was the second win of the season for the Panthers over the Chargers and eighth straight overall. The Panthers won the first meeting 84-74 at Mariotti Gym on Nov. 27.

The Panthers fell behind 13-2 four minutes into the game Thursday. After a time out lecture from Coach Kelly Britsky, the Panthers quickly took control of the game.

Valeree Williams started an 18-0 five minute blitz with a put back of a missed shot. On defense, the Panthers forced 10 turnovers during the run. Ebonie Johnson tied the game at 13 with a short jumper and Williams put the Panthers ahead to stay, 16-13, with a three-pointer. LaTessa Taylor finished the run with a layup off a turnover for a 20-13 lead.

Raileen Patterson hit a pair of free throws to end the Chargers' drought to make it 20-15. The Chargers never got closer the rest of the game. The Panthers led by as many as 19 on two occasions in the first half before taking a 42-26 lead at the break.

In the second half, Atlanta Christian got as close as 14 on two occasions. The Panthers built their lead to 24 three times and Heather Power's free throw with a minute left gave them their biggest lead, 81-56.

Britsky substituted freely in the game. Everyone on the roster got to play, with 13 of the 16 players scoring. Lindsey Moore led the Panthers with 12 points. Taylor and Williams had eight points each, while Kellee Scandrett, Ashley DeFreitas and Ebonie Johnson all had seven points.

Atlanta Christian was led by the tandem of Patterson and Brittany Smith, who both had double-doubles. Smith had a game-high 20 points and 14 rebounds. Smith had 17 points and tied Patterson for game honors with 14 rebounds also.

The Panthers go to Piedmont College on Saturday for a GSAC game. Game time is 2 p.m. The Panther men also take on Piedmont at 4 p.m.