Lakeland College

Missed free throws cost Muskies in loss to Cougars

Athletics - posted on 12/10/2011

The Lakeland College women's basketball team suffered a 63-59 setback against visiting Northern Athletics Conference cross-division rival Concordia University Chicago on Saturday afternoon.

The Muskies (3-4, 2-3 NAC) led late but couldn't convert at the free throw line, missing their final four attempts, two of which were the first of a one-and-one. The Cougars (3-5, 2-3 NAC) capitalized and hit three of their four free throws to ice the game.

Lakeland started slow and trailed by eight points less than five minutes into the game. They fought back, but were plagued by turnovers and poor execution, leading to a four-point, 36-32 Cougar lead.

In the first half Concordia Chicago shot 39.4 percent (13-33) from the floor, 35 percent (7-20) from the 3-point line, and 75 percent (3-4) from the charity stripe. Meanwhile, Lakeland shot 37.9 percent (11-29) from the field, 40 percent (4-10) from behind the arc and 75 percent (6-8) from the free throw line. The Cougars also out-rebounded the Muskies, 21-19.

The Muskies trailed by eight again in the second half, however, this time they were able to counter and build a seven-point, 56-49 lead of their own with 4:45 left.

In the second half, Concordia Chicago shot 18.8 percent (6-32) and Lakeland shot 28.1 percent (9-32) from the field, but the difference was at the free throw line, with the Cougars converting on 11-of-16 attempts (81.3 percent) while the Muskies made just 5-of-11 attempts (45.5 percent). Once again, the Muskies were out-rebounded, 32-25.

Junior Becky Mayo led the Muskies with 19 points and 11 rebounds, her second double-double of the year, as well as a team high three blocks. Senior Becca Tilleman added 16 points and five assists.

Concordia Chicago point guard Krystyna Rickett scored a game-high 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Lakeland returns to action on Tuesday, Dec. 20, when the Muskies travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. to take part in the Daytona Beach Shootout. They will face Hamline University at 4 p.m., followed by a contest against Pacific University on Dec. 21, also a 4 p.m. start.

To see what Lakeland head coach Lindsey Vande Hoef had to say about the loss, click here.

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