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For three quarters the Dupo Lady Tigers Varsity Basketball squad ran with and led conference rival Lebanon Lady Greyhounds. But the fourth quarter was a different matter as the Lady Greyhounds raced past the Lady Tigers to steal the victory 53-45.
The Lady Tigers took control early in the contest using pressure defense and scoring off of Lebanon turnovers, something that had usually happened to them in past contests. The Lady Greyhounds bounced back though to keep it close. The Lady Tigers showed some definite improvement in their game with some nifty down court passing resulting in points. Lady Tigers senior center Margaret Davenport, who has seemed MIA in some games this year, benefited from the Lady Tigers’ improved play scoring eight of her game high fifteen points in the first quarter alone as the Lady Tigers held a two point lead 14-12 after the first quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same as both teams went on scoring runs. Because of a lack of numbers and depth on the bench, Lady Tigers Coach Jill Puckett used a regular substitution rotation in order to keep players fresh. However, in doing so the Lady Tigers often lost scoring punch and rebounding during the substitutions allowing the Lady Greyhounds to get back into the game after having built a lead. But the Lady Tigers held their lead outscoring Lebanon 11-9 in the second quarter to lead 25-21 at the half.
For the first half of the third quarter both teams had difficulty scoring. Lebanon’s best player, #32 center Jaclyn Elmore, left the game with four fouls and the Lady Greyhounds were having difficulty on offense without her. The Lady Tigers were getting plenty of offensive opportunities but their shooting went cold as if there were a lid on the basket. Both teams worked through their offensive woes and the close contest resumed. Bu for the first time in the contest the Lady Greyhounds outscored the Lady Tigers 11-10 in the third quarter cutting Dupo’s lead by three, 35-32 after three quarters.
After three quarters of what arguably may be some of the best basketball that the Lady Tigers have played all season, no one foresaw the collapse that was eminent. It became apparent as the fourth quarter progressed that something was wrong with the Lady Tigers. Their passes were not as crisp or on target and they began to foul more on defense. On the flip side the Lady Greyhounds seemed to be gaining momentum. Lebanon took the lead 37-35 with about six minutes left in the game and never relinquished it after. The Lady Tigers came close several times but in the closing minutes of the game fatigue and Lady Greyhound shooting took their toll as Lebanon outscored Dupo 21-10 in the fourth quarter to win the game 53-45.
The Dupo Lady Tigers were led by Margaret Davenport - 15 points, Kylie Hofstetter - 7 points, Taylor Bauchman - 6 points and Chelsea Scott - 6 points. After sitting out most of the third quarter with foul trouble Lady Greyhounds center Jaclyn Elmore came back with eight points in the fourth quarter and led all scorers with 18 points.
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