Panthers hang on to down Concordia
Feb. 18, 2008

LaGrange College held on for a 60-59 non-conference win over Concordia College-Selma on Monday night at Mariotti Gym. The Panthers improved to 10-14, while the Hornets dropped to 14-13.

Senior Jessica Barba set a school single-season record for rebounds, while leading the Panthers with a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds. Barba broke Jessica Brown's rebounding mark of 212 set during the 2002-03 set. Barba has 219 rebounds this season with a final regular season game Thursday against Huntingdon and the GSAC Tournament. The double-double was her eighth of the season.

Jessica Boler followed Barba with 15 points, making all five of her shots from the floor. Boler also pulled down eight rebounds. Concordia's Santana Seay led all scorers with 28 points. 

The Panthers survived a frantic final five minutes in the game. After trailing most of the first half and into the second half, the Panthers regained the lead. Barba had put the Panthers up 41-40 with a pair of free throws six minutes into the second half. The Panthers gradually built on their lead. Ashley DeFreitas hit two free throws for a 60-51 lead with 5:32 left in the game.

The Panthers did not score again in the game. The Panthers missed six shots from the floor, four free throws and turned the ball over three times during this span. The Hornets took advantage and made it a one point game, 60-59, after Tamara Shaw's basket with 1:12 left.

The Hornets had two opportunities to take the lead in the closing seconds. DeFreitas drew a charging foul on Shenice Price with eight seconds left. DeFreitas missed both of her free throws and the Hornets hurried the ball up the court. Kearia Williams' baseline jumper was off the mark at the buzzer to end the game.

Concordia had led by as many as 10 points in the first half. The Jackets led 14-4 five minutes into the game. The Panthers cut the lead to two late in the half, but Concordia took a 36-29 lead at halftime.

The Panthers will celebrate Senior Night against Huntingdon. Barba, Shannah Mabry, Jennifer Penston and Heather Tidwell will be honored.