Slow Start Dooms Lady Pioneers

February 2, 2021
By Dustin Semore, Sports Information

PARAGOULD, Ark. – The Lady Pioneers could not overcome a first quarter in which they were outscored 22-8 against the 22nd ranked College of the Ozarks (Mo.) Lady Bobcats, falling by a final score of 68-57.

The Bobcats (0-1) had yet to play a game in the 2020-21 season, but that did not show as they scored 17 points before the Lady Pioneers graced the scorebook. Crowley's Ridge connected on just two field goals on their 15 attempts. The Lady Bobcats took the opening ten minutes 22-8.

The Lady Pioneers (7-6) improved their shooting, starting the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers from Octavia Lowery and Mickayla Smith. One block and one steal helped stymie the Bobcat output, with the gals in green outscoring their opponents 18-15. The Bobcats' big first quarter was a good enough insurance to lead going into intermission 37-26.

Crowley's Ridge continued to close the gap in the third quarter, with the Lady 'Neer deficit never greater than 13; however, the Bobcats never let it get lower than 10.

Lowery enjoyed a strong final ten minutes, scoring 12 of her 27 points in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Pioneers could never close the gap with the final horn sounding a 68-57 victory for the guests.

Lowery led her Lady Pioneers with 27 points, with Mickayla Smith hitting three trays to contribute to her 12-point total. Nakeeva Brandon led the backcourt with 10 rebounds.

UP NEXT

The Lady Pioneers will bid adieu to the Carter Activities Center for the remainder of the regular season, beginning a six-game road trip in Pensacola for a rematch with Pensacola Christian (Fla.), who bested the Lady Pioneers on December 12 with a 77-73 decision. Tipoff from the Horton Sports Arena is Tuesday, February 9 at 3:30 p.m.