Dayton, TN-  Samantha Russell poured in 38 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to marshal the Lady Lions past Milligan 76-69. With the win, the Lady Lions move to 16-5 overall and now have firm grasp on second place in the AAC at 12-1 in conference, just one game back from first place Reinhardt. 

The Lions would lead by four at halftime 37-33, thanks to a half court buzzer beater by Russell to end the half. The Lions would win the 1st half rebounding battle 25-14. 

Russell wouldn't be the only one with solid stat lines. Kaitlynn Hennessee would score 14 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Kadee Ferrell would collect her 2nd double-double of the season with 10 points and 12 rebounds. 


HOW IT HAPPENED

1st quarter:

• Both teams would go back in fourth, with the largest lead by either team being 2 points. 
• The Milligan's Kenzie Campbell would hit a jumper with 13 seconds left to give the Buffs a 16-15 lead.

2nd Quarter:

• Milligan would go on a 5-0 run to take a 27-22 lead with 4:35 left in the 2nd.
• The Lions would immediately follow up the Buffs' run with a 7-0 run of their own to regain the lead from a Torie Brooks three from the wing. 
• After a missed Milligan three pointer, Samantha Russell would grab the defensive rebound, take to just across mid court and knock down a deep one footed three at the horn to give Bryan a 37-33 lead. 

3rd Quarter:

• The Buffs would hold the Lions to just 30.6% shooting in the 3rd quarter, while shooting 46.7% themselves. 
• The Buffs would eventually regain the lead 50-49 with 1 minute left in the 3rd. But two Bryan free throws would give the Lions the lead back 51-50 headed into the 4th.

4th Quarter:

• After two straight Kaitlynn Hennessee to Kadee Ferreel layups the Lions would go up 60-56.
• The Lions shot 10-16 from the field in the quarter and wouldn't relinquish the lead. 

Looking Forward:
The Lady Lions head on the road to Athens, TN for a makeup game with Tennessee Wesleyan University Monday night at 5:30 PM.