Cougars run away from Asbury in overtime

BATAVIA, Ohio – The Eagles let a late lead slip away in a 74-64 overtime loss to University of Cincinnati-Clermont on Thursday night.  Asbury battled back all night long, their last first half lead came at 6-4 with 16:05 left in the half and their next lead didn’t come until 51 seconds remained in regulation. 

Brittany Flowers connected on a four point play to tie the game at 57 with 1:19 left, Flowers would finish with 11 points off the bench.  The Eagles (3-7) would take a three point lead after Ellen Gray knocked down two free throws with 29 seconds left.  The Lady Cougars (5-3) would score a quick basket in transition after the second free throw to cut the lead back to one.

Gray would again be sent to the line for two, this time only making the second.  Kayla Howard made a jumper to tie the game with 15 seconds left.  Asbury’s ensuing possession was rushed as Christy Gemmell missed on a lay-up with nine seconds.  UC-Clermont was unable to score on their final possession sending the game to overtime.

In overtime the Lady Cougars would run away from the Eagles, scoring the first six points and outscoring Asbury 13-3.  Clermont’s first possession set the tone for the overtime period, after missing a three they would grab the offensive rebound and score a lay-up giving them momentum that would carry them to the conclusion.

Both teams struggle mightily shooting the ball all night long as Asbury finished at 28% and Clermont at 39%.  Asbury started the game four for their first 22.  Despite the poor shooting Asbury stayed in the game thanks to 12 threes as Flowers and Gray each knocked down three.  Gray would lead the team with 14 points but was only 3-14 from the floor and 3-12 from three point range, she did make 5-7 from the line.  The Eagles were only 12-21 from the line in the game.

The Eagles pulled down 14 first half offensive rebounds and out rebounded Clermont 20-17 in the first half, but that edge would slip away over the final 25 minutes as the Cougars finished 49-47 edge.  Lakin Griffith pulled down a game high 14 rebounds for the Eagles.  Christy Gemmell dished out five assists for Asbury off the bench.  Kayla Howard led all scorers with 19 points for the Cougars.

Asbury will return home to host Kentucky Christian at 2:00 pm on Saturday in the Luce Center.  The Eagles defeated the Lady Knights 71-63 back on November 11th in the Super 8 Classic hosted by Kentucky Christian.