Dayton, TN-  Samantha Russell's 23 points and 10 rebounds guide the Lady Lions past rival Tennessee Wesleyan 70-62. With the win, the Lady Lions move to 17-5 overall and 13-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference. 

The Lady Lions would have to fight back after being down at halftime 34-32. Senior Kaitlynn Hennessee would put up 13 second half points to ignite the Bryan comeback. Hennessee would finish with 17 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds. 

The biggest difference in the game would be Bryan winning the turnover battle 6 to 13 over the Bulldogs. The Lady Lions would finish with 10 total steals. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st quarter:

• Defense was played on both sides as the Lions were held to 33% shooting, but would force 4 Bulldog turnovers. 
• A Bulldog three pointer would put Wesleyan up 15-12, but a Hennessee steal which would end in an Autumn Davis drawn foul and made free throw, cut the lead to 15-13 going into the 2nd. 

2nd Quarter:

• The Lions would go on an early 10-3 run to take a 26-20 lead..
• TWU would go on a 9-0 run right after to take the lead back 29-26.
• After several exchanges and a couple of Kadee Ferrell 2nd quarter buckets, along with two Samantha Russell Free Throws the Lions would stay down two points 34-32 going into halftime. 

3rd Quarter:

• The Bulldogs would start the half on a quick 6-0 run.  
• The Lions would fight back after back to back Autumn Davis and Kaitlynn Hennessee blocks. Following the second  block on the defensive end, Hennessee would follow it up with a go ahead jumper, giving Bryan a 41-40 lead.

4th Quarter:

• Autumn Davis hits a three out of a Gabe Johnson timeout to put the Lions but six 63-57 
• Hennessee, Davis, & Russell knocked down free throws to help Bryan escape a tough road battle. 

Looking Forward: The Lady Lions head on the road to Pikeville, KY for a matchup with the University of Pikeville Bears Wednesday night at 5:30 PM.