Lady Scots fall in regular season finale; USA South Tournament Ahead

On Feb. 11, the Maryville College Basketball Lady Scots (21-4, 13-1) had a 14-game win streak come to an end against Piedmont College (18-7, 11-3). The Lady Scots committed 24 turnovers compared to the Lions’ 19 in the 55-49 loss. Piedmont outscored Maryville 26-8 off of the bench.

In the first half, the Lady Scots shot 52.4% from the floor, making 11-of-21 attempts. Piedmont only made 6-of-29, for 29% from the floor. Junior forward Rachel Hawn led Maryville in scoring in the first half with 12, making 6-of-10 from the floor. Senior forward Allyson Freiermuth added 7 points and 6 rebounds.

The Lady Scots led at the half, 27-22. In the second half, the Lady Scots couldn’t find a rhythm on either end of the floor. Maryville shot only 25% from the floor, making 5-of-20 attempts. The Lady Lions took advantage of Maryville’s woes and shot 43.5% from the floor and making 4-of-8 shots from three-point range.

Despite the loss, Maryville goes into post-season play as the #1 seed in the West Division of the USA South Conference Tournament. As the first placed seed, the Lady Scots earn a bye in the first round and hosted the winner of LaGrange College and Covenant College.

That game took place at a 5:00 PM tipoff, Saturday Feb. 18. The Maryville College Lady Scots have appeared in the last four Division III NCAA National Tournaments, and could once again make another appearance in the big dance with a solid USA South Conference Tournament run.

Winning the USA South Conference Tournament would result in an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the Lady Scots and their third USA South Conference Tournament Championship in the previous five years.