Defense Falters Late in Loss to Paine
Box Score AUGUSTA, Ga. – After first-half struggles during the last few games basically eliminated any hopes for a win, Miles' women's basketball team gave a more inspired effort during the first 20 minutes Monday night against Paine.
Porshia Blue would drop a game-high 26 points and add eight rebounds and four assists for the Lady Golden Bears, but the Lady Lions had five players score in double figures and used an eight-point spurt during a 2-minute stretch in the second half to gain separation in a tight game to secure a 79-71 win at the HEAL Complex.
The loss was the second straight in conference play for Miles (1-6, 0-2 SIAC), which has now dropped six straight overall. Paine moves to 3-7 on the season, 1-1 in SIAC play.
Two nights after being dominated in the opening half by Claflin, Miles found itself in an early hole again when Paine jumped out to a 14-3 advantage. But using a solid defensive effort, the Lady Golden Bears held the Lady Lions to 29 percent shooting from the field and forced 17 turnovers, ultimately taking a brief lead before settling for a tie at 27 by halftime on a late bucket by newcomer
Shawntal Byrd (four points).
Back-to-back baskets by Blue and
Ebony McNeill (nine points, five rebounds) to start the second half gave Miles a 31-27 lead. But the defensive effort that defined the first half disappeared during the remainder of the game. Paine shot 70 percent from the field and made 14-of-15 free throws over the final 20 minutes to take control. Down just 37-36, Miles allowed Paine to score on six consecutive possessions and open a 49-40 lead. The Lady Golden Bears never got closer than three points the rest of the way.
Lashonda Canty had 22 points and 11 rebounds to pace Paine.
Alasha Foster and
Ashley Steger each scored eight points for Miles, which plays its conference home opener Thursday against Clark Atlanta, Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
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