In a game that was delayed 15 minutes and then slowed down by 60 fouls and 91 free throws, Lee University won the marathon women’s basketball game over Southern Wesleyan 85-69. Brooke McKinnon didn’t waste much time displaying her ability on the offensive end of the floor as she drilled a three-point basket and then followed it up with a basket to give Lee (21-2, 10-0) a quick 5-0 lead. The lead quickly swelled to double figures after a three-point basket by Allison Rader gave Lee an 18-8 lead after 5:30 had passed. The next six minutes of the game belonged to Southern Wesleyan (11-10, 4-8) as they outscored Lee, who is currently ranked sixth in the NAIA, 12-4. Kesha Smith had four points and Amber Ryals added three points during the run. The lead continued to fluctuate between two and nine points during the final eight minutes of the half. The Lady Flames’ Angela Spann made a field goal just before time expired and gave Lee a 42-35 halftime lead. Lee came out with a fury to begin the second half as they scored 15 of the first 18 points and what had been a close game was now a 19-point margin in favor of the visiting team. The run was sparked by Katie Nelson and Allison Rader combined for 11 of the 15 points. The Lady Warriors quickly responded with six consecutive points with four of them from the free throw line and a basket by Smith. The run was interrupted by a technical foul on the Warriors and Brooke McKinnon took advantage as she drained both free throws and then knocked down another three-point basket followed by another bucket and her personal seven point run gave the Lady Flames their biggest lead of the game at 64-44. McKinnon’s personal scoring streak eventually reached nine points. Down 20 points with seven minutes remaining, Southern Wesleyan showed no signs of giving up as they eventually reduced the lead to 10 points with the help of several free throws. That was as close as they would get as Lee took their turn making free throws down the stretch and closed out an 85-69 victory. The Lady Warriors struggled with their shooting all afternoon as they made just 28 percent of their field goal attempts and 58 percent of their free throws. The Lady Flames had much more success as they connected on 49 percent of their field goal attempts and shot 68 percent from the line. The visiting team committed 29 turnovers while Southern Wesleyan took good care of the ball, committing only 18 turnovers. Southern Wesleyan was led by Kesha Smith who had a team high 13 points and a game high seven assists. Amber Ryals added 12 points while Ashley Cooper and Janaye Gillard each scored 11 points. McKinnon scored 29 points, which led all players, and Katie Nelson had a double-double with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Southern Wesleyan will play their final road game of the regular season this Tuesday when they face Auburn University of Montgomery. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. CST. | 
