GEORGETOWN, Ky. – The Lady Tigers sought to continue their conference play win streak to begin the 2022-23 season as they took on the rival Tigers of Georgetown College Saturday afternoon.
To open the game, Campbellsville's missed shots seemed to all hit the front of the rim. To make matters more complicated, they struggled to end Georgetown possessions with defensive rebounds. The rival Tigers outrebounded the Lady Tigers 10-6. The Lady Tigers did not take the lead at any point in the first quarter.
Elizabeth Bertram came off the bench providing a five-point spark that was much needed as Campbellsville was behind a point going into the next period, 18-17.
After their deficit was extended to four points, the Lady Tigers began a run ignited by a
Courtney Pritchett block to move ahead of Georgetown, 24-22. After going up five themselves, Campbellsville struggled against intensified play from Georgetown. Steals, offensive rebounds, and points-in-the-paint all played their part in their opposing Tigers' run to recapture the advantage, 33-31. As is their want to do, the Lady Tigers battled back and responded with defensive integrity and a
Maddy Boyle three-pointer. When the halftime buzzer sounded, it was 34-33 in Campbellsville's favor.
At the half, and even though the Lady Tigers held the advantage, they were doubled in total rebounds, 22-11. The difference maker was turnovers: Georgetown had 10 and Campbellsville had seven. However, the Lady Tigers had been able to turn those into eight points while the rival Tigers only mustered two from their chances. Boyle and Bertram both had seven points to buoy Campbellsville's offense, with
Kaitlynn Wilks just behind with six of her own.
After a back-and-forth beginning, turnovers again played in the Lady Tigers' favor. Boyle banged home another three and Wilks added three herself the old-fashioned way. Midway through the third period, Campbellsville held their largest lead of the game so far, 44-37. A Georgetown field goal percentage that began the quarter in the mid-forties dipped to the high-thirties due to mounting pressure from the Lady Tigers' defense. After Campbellsville accrued a double-digit lead, Georgetown rallied to cut it to 56-51 before the fourth.
The Lady Tigers wasted little time growing their lead back to eight, but midway through the final frame the score was knotted at 62. Campbellsville had opportunities to extend or even maintain their lead, but they were faltering all game at the free-throw line. With two minutes remaining, they were 9-20 from the charity stripe. Wilks wouldn't let that deter her though as she put the team's free-throw troubles out of mind and sank two clutch ones to bring the score to 66-62 with two minutes left. A
Courtney Pritchett jumper in the lane and two
Lauren Lee free-throw makes helped ice things and stave off any opposing advances. The final was 71-64 to give Campbellsville their 14
th straight win over Georgetown.
The Lady Tiger defense held fast to keep the opposing Tigers' field goal percentage at sub 40% (39.1%). Although Georgetown still bested Campbellsville in rebounds, the difference shrank significantly to just 11 (42-31). Wilks had a big second half ending with 21 points on 70% shooting. Lee was in the same boat trailing her with 14 points. Pritchett led with six assists and shared the title for most rebounds with
Bailey Pedigo and Wilks (7).
The Lady Tigers will next be in Wilmore, Kentucky to face Asbury on December 13
th.
