Poor Shooting Leads To Lady Red Hawks Loss

Lake Michigan College Women's Basketball team started the game off by missing several shots and that continued throughout the game in their 51-48 loss to Muskegon Community College on Monday night. The Lady Jayhawks also did not shoot well throughout the game, but they made the shots when it counted to move into sole first place in the MCCAA Western Conference.  With the loss, Lake Michigan College falls to second place with an 8-2 record (16-5 overall).

At the end of the first 10 minutes, the Lady Red Hawks trailed 10-9.  Both teams really struggled to find an offensive rhythm and Muskegon took advantage of their opportunities getting to the free throw line. In the second quarter, both teams begin to convert on the offensive end, but neither team could pull away from each other. Lake Michigan outscored the Lady Jayhawks 15-14 in the second quarter and the score was tied 24-24 at halftime.

The third quarter was just like the entire first half, with both teams again struggling to score and neither team being able to take an advantage. Neither team led by more than five points in the quarter and after Lake Michigan was able to outscore Muskegon 13-11, the Lady Red Hawks entered the final quarter with a 37-35 lead. The fourth quarter saw Muskegon take a five-point lead (49-44) late and it looked as if Lake Michigan would not be able to make a comeback.  But after a timeout, the Lady Red Hawks forced three consecutive turnovers and pulled with one (49-48) with 30 seconds to play in the game with the basketball. But again, Lake Michigan missed several shots and were forced to foul with 17 seconds to play. The Lady Jayhawks converted both free throws attempted and took a 51-48 lead.  In those final 17 seconds, Lake Michigan still had opportunities to try and tie the game, but missed all three of their shot attempts and Muskegon held on for the win.

After the game, Head Coach, Patrick Daniel stated "Just poor offensive execution tonight. Defensively we played well especially holding this team to 51 points, but shooting this poorly and not taking advantage of the opportunities we had at the end of the game is very disappointing. We have to learn very quickly that every possession in every game matters if we are going to win close games like this."

For the game, Lake Michigan shot just 26% (18-69) and held Muskegon to 25% (15-60).  Muskegon did make 6-17 three-point attempts (35%) and converted 15-23 free throw attempts (65%), while Lake Michigan only made 3-18 three-point attempts (16%) and 9-14 from the free throw line (64%). The Lady Red Hawks did outrebound Muskegon 50-42, including 17 offensive rebounds. As a team, Lake Michigan also had 14 steals, four blocks and committed only 12 turnovers.  The Lady Red Hawks forced Muskegon to commit 17 turnovers.

Two players scored in double figures for the Lady Red Hawks led by Monae Palmer with 15 points and Samantha Jenkins added 10 points.  Palmer also had a team high seven rebounds.  Jayla Bibbs led Lake Michigan with six steals and two blocks.

Lake Michigan will return home on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 when they host Kellogg Community College.  Tip-off is at 5:30 PM.