McKenzie, Tenn. – Shawnee State women's basketball fell on the road Friday night, losing to (11) Bethel (Tenn.) 58-56 in their second game at the MSC/SSAC Challenge.
Bethel would hold the lead after one quarter. Morgan Martin would give the Wildcats their largest lead of the game with 6:21 left in the first period, putting Bethel up 9-2 on Shawnee State. The Bears would rally to close the gap, but the Wildcats would lead for the whole quarter, holding an 18-14 advantage after one.
Shawnee State would respond in the second quarter to tie the game heading into halftime. Laurhen Pickett would again give Bethel a seven-point lead, 25-18 with 6:38 to halftime, but the Bears would begin a rally. Down one late in the half, Lydia Poe (JR/Jackson, Ohio) would hit her second career three-pointer to give Shawnee State a 29-27 lead. Martin would hit before time expired to ensure a 29-29 tie at halftime.
The score would again be tied after three quarters as Shawnee State and Bethel battled in the second half. The Wildcats would take an early lead in the half and led most of the way through the third, but Poe would again hit from deep to give Shawnee State a 37-35 lead. Shamon Pearson would respond, and the two teams would trade points until Hannah Miller (JR/Coal Grove, Ohio)'s two free throws tied the game again at 41-41 through three quarters.
The fourth quarter would see Shawnee State take their largest lead of the night, as Shania Massie (JR/Greenfield, Ohio)'s three pointer with 6:35 to go put SSU up 48-43. The Wildcats would respond, going back up seven as Pickett hit in the post to put Bethel up 55-48. Shawnee State would again rally, tying the game at 56-56 on Madison Ridout (SR/Jackson, Ohio)'s two pointer. However, the Bears would not be able to hold the tie, as Hannah Miller's offensive foul late would give Bethel possession, and two late free throws would ensure a 58-56 win for the hosts.
Hannah Miller had a game-high 19 points to lead Shawnee State, including a 12-12 night at the free throw line. Madison Ridout added 12 and Bailey Cummins (SO/Brooksville, Kentucky) had 10.
Laurhen Pickett had 15 points and 12 rebounds to lead Bethel. Madison Steppee had 14 and Morgan Martin added 12.
The loss drops Shawnee State to 4-1 on the season. Bethel improves to 3-2.
Shawnee State wraps up the MSC/SSAC Challenge on Saturday, November 11 when they take on Blue Mountain (Miss.). Tipoff is set for 4:30pm Eastern/3:30 Central.
