The Lions (1-2) suffered their worst loss under Coach Jason Burton’s program Monday against LCU (3-0), 74-39. Its shooting woes continued as A&M-Commerce shot 22.4% to LCU’s 44%.
The Chaps took off the opening minutes of the first quarter going on a 20-2 run in 8 minutes, allowing all five of its starters to score. Forward Tess Bruffey opened the contest with a 3-pointer and was a nuisance for the Lions all night Monday. She finished with a game-high 17 points and 14 rebounds.
The Chaps ball movement at times had the Lions searching for answers defensively. It trailed 23-4 at the end of the first quarter.Bruffey’s presence in the paint forced A&M-Commerce to alter their shots offensively, shooting just 22% from the field.
In the second quarter, guard Melanie Ransom got on the boards hitting a 3-pointer, 23-7. Forward Jenna Price was feeling it too, knocking one down the following possession. The spark was short-lived as LCU went on an 8-0 run to end the half. LCU relied on their lone national title winner in Bruffey who recorded a double-double by halftime.
The Lions shot 13.3% from the field in the first half and improved in the second half to shoot 32.1%. The Chaps’ out-rebounded A&M-Commerce 46-29 and its bench outscored the Lions 24-9. LCU converted 11 of their 14 steals into points and had 19 turnovers. A&M-Commerce converted 11 of their 7 steals into points and had 17 turnovers.
Ransom had a team-high 10 points and 7 rebounds.
Next Game
11/18 @ St. Edward's 2PM