LIONS PICK UP 74-73 GSC WIN OVER VALDOSTA STATE

 

FLORENCE – Kierra McCleary’s 25-foot bank shot with one second remaining saved the day for the North Alabama women’s basketball team Saturday evening against Valdosta State. The off-balance shot gave the Lions a 74-73 home win after the Blazers had rallied to take their first lead of the second half in the final minute of play.

 

The win keeps the Lions (11-11) in the mix in the GSC East Division at 4-3 in league play. Valdosta State (15-6) remains in first place with a 5-2 league record.

 

UNA led by as many as 10 in the second half before the Blazers began to chip away. The Lions led 71-66 at the 1:27 mark when VSU’s Sczeny Hartry went to the free throw line for two shots. After making the first shot, a missed second attempt was rebounded by the Blazers and followed by a three-pointer by Michelle Thompson with 1:15 remaining.

 

After a turnover on the ensuing Lion possession, VSU took its first lead of the second half with another three-pointer by Leschelle Matthews with 23 seconds on the clock.

 

UNA was unable to get a good look, forcing McCleary to put up the shot over two players form the left side. The basket gave the Lions the one-point went and sent the Flowers Hall crowd into a frenzy.

 

Amber Rutherford led UNA with 21 points on the night, while Jameica York scored all 17 of her points in the second half. McCleary finished with seven points for the Lions.

 

The Lions will take on West Florida Saturday afternoon in another key GSC match-up. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. at Flowers Hall.