Carson-Newman Edges Converse 83-78
Spartanburg, S.C.— Converse College gave the visiting Eagles all they could handle, but Carson-Newman was able to hold off a late run by the All-Stars to get the win. The Eagles shot 10 of 14 from the free throw line in the final in the final 1:20 to seal the game. Converse’s Kathlyn McClain scored a game high 22 points and had a team high 6 rebounds.
The game started with both teams trading baskets. Despite never trailing the entire first half, Carson-Newman could only manage a four point margin until the 6:27 mark when they took a five point lead. The Eagles closed out the first half on a 15-5 run. The All-Stars only scored to field goals in final eight minutes of the first half. Converse went into the locker room trailing by the score of 36-25.
The All-Stars would come out battling to start the second half. Converse chipped away at the Eagles’ lead. Lauren Mueller’s basket with 13:42 brought the All-Stars within three points. Carson-Newman responded by scoring the next five points. With six minutes remaining, the Eagles seemed to cruising to a win. Carson-Newman’s Tykira McDaniel, who scored 13 on the afternoon, drained a jumper to give the visitors a 14 point advantage.
However, the All-Stars proved they had some more left in the tanks. Converse would again chip away at the large deficit. With less than two minutes left, the home team got within 3 points on four different occasions. Mueller’s lay-up with :30 left on the clock cut the Eagles’ lead to one point. Carson-Newman would answer by draining two free throws. The Eagles’ Ashley Kyle would steal the ball back on Converse’s ensuing possession. However, hope remained for the All-Stars as Kyle missed both free throws. Converse’s McClain was unable to drain the game tying three-pointer. Carson-Newman’s Ashley Tipton grabbed the rebound and drain the subsequent free throws to secure the victory.
The Eagles improved to 11-2 on the season, while the All-Stars fall to 3-16. Converse travels to Greenwood, SC to take on Lander University tomorrow evening. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
Converse is a small college, big on opportunities. We:
• Shape young women of today into leaders for tomorrow.