The #12 Lincoln Land women's basketball team played their first home game of the season and walked away with a 62-36 victory over Prairie State College. The Loggers had a huge offensive first quarter and scored 25 points in route to a 25-11 first quarter lead. Freshman Marley Smith lead the way with six points in the quarter. The second quarter was much closer as Prairie State managed to hold the Loggers to just 14 points in the period using an unorthodox match up zone. "We knew they would throw the matchup against us. We have been working on it a few days in practice, but just couldn't simulate what they were going to do" stated Logger coach Chad Jones. The Loggers managed to extend their lead by three in the period and were leading 39-22 at the halftime break.
To start the second half, the Loggers turned up the defensive intensity and forced several Prairie State turnovers. Prairie State managed just two points in the third quarter on two free throws. "We managed to hold them without a field goal in the third quarter. I don't care who you are playing, that is good" said Jones. Lincoln Land managed to score 16 points in the third quarter and essentially put the game out of reach. The fourth quarter saw the entire Logger roster see minutes. Despite Prairie State out scoring the Loggers 12-7 in the fourth quarter, Lincoln Land easily cruised to a 62-36 final score. The Pioneers had 29 turnovers on the game.
The Loggers were lead in scoring by Marley Smith with 23 points. Cassidy Kretchmer chipped in eight and Kirsten Taylor contributed seven points respectively. The Loggers were lead in rebounding by Smith with 11 boards, six of which were on the offensive end. Avrie Schmidt pulled down a season high nine rebounds of her own, while Kirsten Taylor grabbed seven. Kayla Kodat and Cassidy Kretchmer lead the Loggers with four assists apiece. The Loggers assisted on 17 of their 27 field goals in the game. Lincoln Land improves to 3-0 on the season and will play at home Tuesday night against Illinois Valley College.
