Jens Erase 18-Point Deficit, but Can't Get Past Lions

WARRENSBURG, Mo. (Nov. 19, 2017) - Central Missouri Jennies Basketball suffered their first defeat of the season Sunday afternoon, 77-76, to Arkansas-Fort Smith. The loss puts UCM at 3-1 on the season.

How it Happened
• Central Missouri had no answer for the Lions three-point shooting, as they connected on 12-of-20 attempts.
• UCM outscored the Lions 42-35 in the second half, but it wasn't enough. The Lions went into halftime with an eight-point lead.
• The Jennies shot 43.5% for the game, but were just 6-for-23 from three.
• Down the stretch, UCM went just 1-for-4 at the free throw line in the final 2:30 of the game.
• The Jennies led for a total of just 28 seconds. 
• Arkansas-Fort Smith got off to a quick start, scoring the first eight points and the Jennies committed four turnovers in the first 2:15.
• From there the Lions led throughout the half, building it to a game-high 18-points with 4:30 left before the break.
• The Jennies though were able to cut into that lead, scoring the final eight points in 2:06 with Sydney Crockett hitting a three a few seconds before the buzzer.
• Central Missouri kept chipping away at the lead, getting to within two after a three from Jolene Shipps. Arkansas-Fort Smith answered right back with a three of their own, and kept a five point lead going into the final frame.
• The two teams went back and forth, but a 7-0 UCM run lead gave the Jens their first and only lead of the game, 71-69, with 3:34 to play. The Lions though hit two straight threes to regain their lead and never trailed again.
• Sydney Crockett made it a one-point game again, 77-76 with an offensive rebound and a put-back, but the Jens never got another chance to take the lead as the Lions ran out the clock with UCM trying to foul.

It Was Over When...
• The Lions were able to play keep away in the final eight seconds with the Jennies trying to foul. UAFS kept the ball away from the Jens who couldn't get the Lions to the free throw line and never gained possession.

Jennies Stat Leaders
• Paige Redmond led the team with 19 points and also had three assists.
• Morgan Fleming scored 14, six coming at the free throw line.
• Kayonna Lee continues to fill out the stat sheet, scoring eight points and grabbing nine rebounds, while blocking two shots. 
• Kelsey Williams scored six points and had a team-high four assists.
• Sydney Crockett scored eight points and was 2-for-5 from three.

For the Lions
• Tayla Taylor recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. She was 8-for-11 from the field.
• Micayla Haynes scored a game-best 21 points going 7-for-8 from three.
• Lundon Williams chipped in with 17 and hit three triples herself.

News and Notes
• After turning the ball over four times in the first 2:15, the Jennies had just two turnovers the final 37:45 of the game.
• The Jennies were outrebounded 34-30 by the Lions.
• The last time a UCM opponent shot at least 60% from three came February 28, 2009 against Truman. 

Up Next
• The Jennies continue their six-game homestand taking on NAIA opponent, Evangel. Wake up late and you could miss it though. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:30 am Tuesday, Nov. 21st.