MILLERSVILLE, Pa. – The Lady Lions battled into double overtime behind a career-high ten points and eight rebounds from sophomore
Vivevca Nwagbaraocha (Milwaukee, WI/Pius XI HS), but Millersville came out on top 72-66 in Pucillo Gymnasium.
The Lady Lions got off to a slow start only scoring seven points in the first quarter. Lennee Kimbell hit a three pointer,
Jaeda Davis (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King HS) made a layup, and
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) made a pair of free throws for the only points as the Maruaders held a double digit advantage. Lincoln picked up the momentum in the next quarter outscoring Millersville 19-18.
Lincoln was held to 9-of-28 (32%) shooting from the field in the opening half. Millersville shot the ball well making 14-of-26 (54%) attempts from the field and controlled the paint points (18-8).
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) led the Lady Lions at the half with seven points,
Jaeda Davis (Milwaukee, WI/Rufus King HS) had six points off of the LU bench, and both
Monique Cheek (Teaneck, NJ/Harford Community College) and
Vivevca Nwagbaraocha (Milwaukee, WI/Pius XI HS) grabbed four rebounds each.
Millersville built their lead back up to 12 (40-28) midway through the third quarter. LU went to their post players for some timely scoring as
Teira Pendleton (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Poly Institute),
Mieana Gaines (Lincoln Park, MI/Southfield University Academy), and
Vivevca Nwagbaraocha (Milwaukee, WI/Pius XI HS) impacted the game. The trio cut the deficit to 42-40 with under a minute to play in the third setting up a great finish between the two teams.
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS)'s three pointer brought the game to within two (49-47) with under four minutes left to play.
LenNee Kimbell (Springdale, MD/Howard Community College) tied the game a few plays later at 49-49 on a jumper down the lane at the 2:51 mark.
Teira Pendleton (Baltimore, MD/Baltimore Poly Institute) gave LU their first lead since the opening minutes of action with a jumper leaving 52-seconds on the game clock. The Marauders answered tying the game at 51-51 leaving 27 seconds for a last shot by the Lady Lions. The game was sent into overtime after both teams failed at a potential game winning shot.
In the first overtime both teams were aggressive on defense as free throws played a major role down the stretch. The Lady Lions went 3-for-4 from the line and the Marauders went 2-for-3 as the game was sent into a second overtime.
Vivevca Nwagbaraocha (Milwaukee, WI/Pius XI HS) scored four of her career-high ten points in that period. Lincoln entered their first double overtime period with the game tied at 58-58. Millersville outscored Lincoln 14-8 and converted on 8-of-11 free throw attempts.
Amani Clark (Middletown, DE/Appoquinimink HS) hit a three pointer but the Lady Lions late rally came up short, 72-66, in double overtime.
Three Lady Lions finished in double figures led by
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS)'s team-high 14 points and eight rebounds. Teira Pendelton added 12 points with five rebounds and
Vivevca Nwagbaraocha (Milwaukee, WI/Pius XI HS) netted a career-high ten points with eight rebounds. Lincoln made a season-high six three pointers and shot 60% from the charity stripe.
Lincoln falls to 3-2 overall and will host Cheyney University in their next game at home on Wednesday, December 2
nd at 5:30 in Manuel Rivero Hall.