Panthers fall to Agnes Scott in GSAC opener

Jan. 3, 3007

DECATUR, Ga.- In a game filled with poor shooting and turnovers, the Panthers lost 50-46 to Agnes Scott in a GSAC game Wednesday.  It was the fourth straight loss for the Panthers and the third straight to the Scotties. The loss left the Panthers 5-5 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Scotties improved to 7-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play.
 

Shannah Mabry opened the Panthers' scoring with a 15-foot jumper to make the score 4-2 at the 16:31 mark of the first half. After Agnes Scott took a 9-3 lead, head coach Kelly Britsky called timeout to make some adjustments and substitutions. The Panthers responded with a 17-3 run, taking their first lead of the game off back to back baskets by LaTessa Taylor.

Trailing 19-12, Agnes Scott took a timeout with 3:33 remaining in the first half. The Scotties outscored the Panthers 10-1 the rest of the half to lead 22-20 at the break. The Panthers shot 32 percent from the field and had 17 turnovers in the first half. 

The Scotties opened the second half with an 11-2 run in the first six minutes to build a 33-22 lead. The Panthers closed the deficit to four, 33-29, with seven straight points.

Agnes Scott answered with another scoring burst. The Scotties outscored the Panthers 13-4 for their largest lead of the game, 46-33, with three minutes remaining.

The Panthers rallied once again. They scored four straight baskets to get within five, 46-41, with 1:27 remaining.  The Panthers hurt themselves with some late turnovers as the Scotties held on for the win.  Ebonie Johnson scored the last five points of the game for the Panthers.

Taylor led the Panthers with a game-high 12 points and eight rebounds.  Johnson added seven points and Lindsey Moore six. Jennifer Penston had four points and four steals.

The Panthers host Maryville on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 2 p.m. in their first GSAC home game of the season.