For the second time this year, the Lady Trojans defeat the Lady Lancers. Final was 61-45, in Kinston. Although the game was close at times, the Trojans never trailed and were able to fend off a strong Lancer charge.
Although FTCC only scored 15 pts. in the opening quarter, they were able to limit Lenoir to just 6 pts. Strong pressure defense forced numerous turnovers and forced shots and Kennede Coleman, Chania Troy, and Tyra Evans were strong on the boards. Dajah Horne pushed the ball up the court, but shots were just not falling. It seemed that everything the Trojans threw up, lipped out or bounced off the rim. Only three made field goals for the quarter, but the pressure and inside play did reap some benefits, as the Lancers were put into early foul trouble and the Trojans were 9-11 from the line with Briana James 4-4 to lead the team with 6 pts.
The second quarter was similar to the first with many good shots just missing for the Trojans. Horne was the only FTCC scorer with 8 pts. Tysha Teachy and Justice Carr got going for the Lancers and were able to pull them to just 5 pts. at the half, 23-18. Dellasia Freeman had he only 3 pt. basket in the half and ran a more effective attack against the Trojans.
The second half opened very slowly for both teams with only 3 pts. scored in the first 4 minutes. The Lancers pulled to within 2 pts. Amarilis Floyd, who was held scoreless in the first half, hit her first basket, a 3 pt. shot, to spark a 25 pt. Trojan flurry in just 6 minutes. Horne hit the next 3 pt., followed by two more from Floyd. The FTCC pressure defense turned over the ball and led to several more run-outs and more foul trouble for the Lancers. Floyd had 12 pts. with Horne putting up 6 pts. Genesis Bernard buried a long 3 pt. shot with just seconds on the clock to close the quarter for the Trojans with a 48-34 lead. This is what this team has used for success this year; answering in the 3rd quarter.
The Trojans were able to extend their lead in the fourth quarter with a couple baskets from Coleman and another 3 pt. from Floyd. Horne had three aggressive drives to the basket to bring her game high total to 25 pts. Although they did not plan to, the Trojans did not score for the closing 5 minutes of the game. With a 23 pt. lead, it did not hurt them, but that will be a point for Coach Tucker to work on. No lead is ever safe while there is still time on the clock. At least, that is the way to play the game.
This was the first game back after the break. The Trojans have return games against Central Carolina on Tuesday and Johnston on Thursday before their return home on Saturday. Hopefully this can spark a renewed spirit for the second half of the season.
FTCC 15 8 25 13 61
LC 6 12 16 11 45
FTCC Troy, 7, Horne, 25, Floyd, 15, Coleman, 4, T. Evans, 1, James, 6, Bernard, 3
3 Pt. 6, Horne, 1, Floyd, 4, Bernard, 1
Fouls 30, Troy, 4, Horne, 2, Floyd, 4, Coleman, 2, Inman, 4, T. Evans, 3, Bernard, 2, James, 5, Rivers, 1, Gacutan, 3
LC Freeman, 7, Smith, 2, Teachey, 16, Robertson, 6, Carr, 8, Suggs, 6
3 Pt. Freeman, 1
Fouls 24, Freeman, 5, Edmundson, 4, Smith, 4, Robertson, 4, Carr, 4, Suggs, 3