MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Faulkner prevailed in a 40-minute dog fight Monday night, knocking off SSAC foe William Carey 72-63 for its second conference win. The Lady Eagles led for 95 percent of the game but had to work themselves through a physical slog of a second half thanks in large part to the full-court defensive intensity of the Crusaders. Faulkner struggled multiple times to get the ball across the halfcourt and scarcely saw open looks in the second half but still managed a 34-34 draw over the game's final 20 minutes.
The Lady Eagles won points off turnovers 13-11 and bench points 20-9 but lost key categories in the paint. The Crusaders outscored Faulkner 30-20 in the post and 23-11 on second chance points while winning the rebound battle 37-32.
The Lady Eagles made up the difference with ball movement and three-point shooting. Faulkner assisted on 18 of 24 made baskets and knocked down 10 of 25 three-point attempts to anchor the victory.
"Very happy with a great win against a great opponent tonight. I thought our defensive effort was very good. Kinlee (Varnell) did a great job on (Lauren) Rowley in the first half and (Rose) Warren in the second half," Faulkner Head Coach
Reed Sutton said. "Our bench play continues to be good. I thought
Dee Guinn played one of her more complete games today on both ends. Ruthie (Smith) really finished the game well for us and had a great effort tonight. I am excited to see her continued growth. We shared the ball well on offense."
The balanced offensive attack saw four players score in double figures as
Ruthie Smith led with 17 points and six rebounds.
Nequoia Adams finished with 13 points.
Morgan Holland had 12 points and five assists.
Evaiah Burrows had 10 points.
"To be our best we need to compete on the defensive glass better and finish games better at the line, but our defense held strong. Proud of our team," Sutton said. "Now it is on to exams for a couple days before we prepare for Truett McConnell on Saturday."
Faulkner (5-8, 2-3 SSAC) plays again Saturday when it travels to Cleveland, Ga. to take on Truett McConnell.
