Montgomery, Ala. – The Faulkner Lady Eagles picked up a much-needed win Thursday night in the SSAC Women's Basketball Championship, presented by Newk's Eatery, against the No. 5 Life Running Eagles. The game took place at Multiplex at Cramton Bowl. The final score was 80-71.
"We are excited for our Seniors that they live to fight another day. Life is a tough opponent. They compete at a very high level. Our ability to protect the ball and limit live ball turnovers in the second half was critical. I was really happy with our fourth-quarter defensive finish. I want to give our Sutton's 6th Man practice squad a shout-out for preparing us so well for this game. "
The No. 4 Lady Eagles found themselves up by 10 against the No. 5 Running Eagles with 3:53 in the first quarter, but the Running Eagles fought their way back to take the lead by three at the end of quarter one. Life led 21-18 to start the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the two teams battled back and forth. As the Lady Eagles inched closer to the lead Life would push just a little farther until Faulkner took the lead off two free throws from
Dee Guinn. The remainder of the quarter saw three ties and three lead changes with the final lead before the half going to Faulkner. The lady Eagles went to the locker room up 39-37.
The second half was no different than the first. Both teams continued to trade baskets back and forth keeping the game close as the time ticked away. Life finally pulled away by eight at 3:05 left in the third, but Faulkner answered right back with three straight buckets from the Lady Eagles.
Morgan Holland drained a three to tie the game 58-58. Life would then come down and nail a three-point shot of their own. To end the quarter
Dee Guinn would make the jumper bringing the score to 61-60.
The fourth quarter started with a made layup by
Kinlee Varnell giving the Lady Eagles the lead. From there on Faulkner never lost their grip on the lead as they continued to pour on baskets. Life didn't give them the easy win though as they continued to keep the game close until the 1:14 mark. The Lady Eagles pushed the lead to seven from a layup by
Morgan Holland. From there life had to begin to foul. The Lady Eagles would seal the game with multiple clutch trips to the free-throw line. The final score was 80-71.
"Individually I thought Ruthie played one of her best two-way games of the season. She shot and rebounded it well and really protected the paint for us. Dee had a very efficient game at the point guard spot for us with 15 points, 4 assists, and only one turnover. Neely was just Neely today. She is playing very inspired right now. Morgan shot it better and competed well on the glass. Kinlee is a winner and made winning plays on both ends. Evaiah is playing the best basketball of her career right now and is communicating and leading well. "
The Lady Eagles saw five players with double-digit scoring figures. Leading the way was
Neely Johns with 20 points and seven rebounds. Johns went six for six from the charity stripe. She also shot 44. 4 percent from behind the three-point line.
Dee Guinn had 15 points and four assists.
Morgan Holland added 14 points.
Ruthie Smith had 14 points and eight rebounds, and to round out those scorers,
Evaiah Burrows contributed 10 points.
"We know the challenge we have ahead of us tomorrow but are excited about the opportunity. To win in the postseason you have to find ways to beat great teams like Loyola.
Faulkner (17-12, 12-6 SSAC) will take on No. 1 Loyola Friday, Mar 1 at the Multiplex. The two teams split the home and away series during the regular season. This is a big-time rematch as Faulkner beat Loyola last year in the championship game to secure the SSAC title 67-55. Tip-off is set at 5:00 pm.
