Lady Scots increase streak to eight
The Maryville College Lady Scots Basketball team has put together an impressive month during January winning eight straight games. Maryville’s hot streak has come at a crucial point in their 2016-2017 campaign.
The Lady Scots began USA South Conference (West Division) play on Jan. 8 and have not lost since. Maryville remains undefeated in conference play (7-0) and sits atop the West Division standings. Last week, the Lady Scots went 3-0 and their defense led the charge, limiting all three of their opponents to under 50 points.
On Jan. 18, the Lady Scots hosted the Salem College Spirits (5-10, 2-3). Maryville gained an early advantage over the visiting Spirits, and never looked back. Maryville’s defense held Salem College to just 29.3 percent shooting, as the Spirits shot 17-58 from the floor. Also, the defense turned into offense as Maryville forced the Spirits into 19 turnovers, which led to 20 points.
Senior Allyson Freiermuth had nine points in the first quarter. She finished 7-8 from the floor for 17 points, and added eight boards. Junior Lauren Biliter contributed 15 points for the Lady Scots, shooting 6-13 from the floor.
Junior Haley Talbott was the key to Maryville’s success on offense. The junior guard went 7-15 from the floor for a career high 21 points, knocking down 6 shots from downtown. Maryville’s solid outing on both ends of the floor resulted in a 79-42 blowout win.
On Jan. 20, the Lady Scots traveled to Decatur, Georgia to face the Scotties of Agnes Scott College (2-11, 1-6). Again, the Lady Scots defense came to play. Maryville forced the Scotties into 28 turnovers, which led to 26 points. Lady Scots’ defense allowed only 38 Agnes Scott attempts from the floor.
On the offensive end, Haley Talbott led Maryville in scoring for the second straight game, shooting 6-14 from the floor for 16 points. Lauren Bilitier followed with 15 points, shooting 5-10 from the floor. Also, Maryville’s 19 points off the bench outscored Agnes Scott’s four. The Lady Scots would cruise to another blowout victory over the Scotties, 72-41.
The following day, Jan. 21, Maryville visited Wesleyan College (1-14, 0-7). For a third straight game, Maryville’s defense was dominant. The Wolves shot only 24.1 percent from the floor, making just 14-58 attempts. The Lady Scots’ ability to get the ball into the middle of the floor made them hard to stop.
MC scored 26 points in the paint, outscoring Wesleyan’s eight. Allyson Freiermuth finished the night with a double-double, scoring ten points and pulling down a game-high 12 rebounds. The Lady Scots were led in scoring by Junior Rachel Hawn, who shot 8-13 from the floor for 16 points. Haley Talbott and Lauren Biliter added 12 points each. The Lady Scots defeated the Wesleyan College Wolves 68-40, extending their win streak to eight.
The Maryville College Lady Scots now sit at 15-3 on the season. They return home to host the Lady Panthers of LaGrange College on Friday, Jan. 27. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 P.M.