By: Brandon Wise/ Asst. Sports Director
Starting out shooting 5-14 in the first half would not help many players confidence heading through the rest of the game. That doesn’t apply to Jerica Coley who turned it around to shoot 8-10 and score 36 points to carry the Panthers to their first Sun Belt Conference victory of the season over Louisiana Monroe 65-55.
“We let them hang around,” Coley said. “In the second half when they got really close, we just knew that had to tighten up. Somehow we got the win.”
Her coach, Cindy Russo, quickly replied after, “Thanks to you.”
With the performance, Coley now has 399 points on the year and averaging 24.9 per game, good enough for third in the nation.
Early on, the Panthers were in control of the quick and scrappy Warhawks. But, Caremn Miloglav was forced into a few turnovers and shots were just not falling for the Panthers.
With 7:59 to go in the game, the Warhawks were within one, and had a chance to take the lead. But, Coley received the pass from Miloglav and put up a three, nothing but net as the shot clock expired.
The Panthers never looked back as they went on a 14-5 run to end the game. Fanni Hutlassa led the Panthers in rebounds with 12 and also kicked in eight points, four assists, and four steals.
The only other Panther to reach double figures in points was Finda Mansare with her 15. She also pulled down eight rebounds and had two assists. Russo is happy that the team won, but knows this cannot continue.
“I’m disappointed that we lacked focus and concentration that we need to have to win tonight.” Russo said.
About Post Author
