OWENSBORO, KY – The Bryan College Lady Lions (2-1) suffered their first loss of the season, falling 69-60 to Midway (2-1) on Saturday night in a competitive matchup that saw multiple lead changes and momentum swings.
Despite outshooting their opponents from the free-throw line, converting 25-of-39 (64.1%) compared to Midway's 10-of-21 (47.6%), Bryan struggled with field goal efficiency, shooting just 24.2% overall and 15.8% from three-point range.
The Lady Lions controlled the glass with 52 rebounds, including 16 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points. However, 22 turnovers proved costly against a Midway team that dominated inside with 36 points in the paint.
Autumn Davis led Bryan with 13 points on 4-of-9 shooting, adding five assists despite five turnovers.
Ashlyn Plott provided a spark off the bench with 11 points, including 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, all coming in crucial fourth-quarter action.
Ashlan Crittenden contributed 10 points, going 5-of-8 from the free-throw line, while adding three steals.
Molly Brown chipped in nine points but struggled with efficiency, going 3-for-12 from the field.
Kadee Ferrell was a force on the boards with a team-high 11 rebounds, and
Kaylynn Walls added 14 rebounds to go with two points, three blocks, and two steals in 23 minutes of action.
Bryan trailed 18-12 after the first quarter but clawed back to within four at halftime, 26-22. The Lady Lions tied the game at 33-33 midway through the third quarter and even took brief leads, but Midway used a strong fourth quarter, outscoring Bryan 27-21, to pull away for the victory.
The fourth quarter proved decisive as Midway shot 55.6% from the field and 50% from three-point range, while Bryan made just 4-of-15 attempts. A technical foul on Midway's Hughes gave Bryan a glimmer of hope, but the Lady Lions couldn't complete the comeback despite late three-pointers from Plott.
Bryan's bench contributed 21 points compared to Midway's 26, and both teams committed 22 turnovers in the up-tempo contest.
The Lady Lions will look to bounce back as they continue their season, hoping to improve their shooting percentage and cut down on turnovers in their next outing.
