CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – The #3 Campbellsville University women's basketball team hosted a Mid-South Conference contest Saturday afternoon at Powell Athletic Center. The Lady Tigers defeated the #25 University of Pikeville 86-76 behind a second half renaissance.
The Bears acquired the initial points, but Campbellsville retaliated and took back the lead after Maddy Boyle knocked down a three once the shot clock hit zero. Moments later, Pikeville regained the lead and they wouldn't relinquish it the remainder of the half. The Lady Tigers faced a scoring drought while the Bears tallied an eight-point run to end the first quarter.
Campbellsville continued to face the adversity of the Bears in the second quarter. Pikeville broke a ten-point lead with a basket from the arc. The Bears were shooting 57.1% from the three-point line, while Campbellsville had mustered 20% from the area. Both teams traded buckets, but Kaitlynn Wilks fought back with layups to keep the Lady Tigers alive. Campbellsville worked against Pikeville's man-to-man defense, forcing them to create space for shots. They did just that as Sarah Sutton sank a three-point basket. The Lady Tigers jumped up to 42.9% from the arc. The action continued to escalate when Lauren Lee collected a basket and a foul. Campbellsville could not snatch the lead when entering the half, trailing 38-35.
At the half, the Lady Tigers continued to fall short in field goals (CU 48%, UPIKE 53.1%). Both teams had amassed 18 points in the paint, where Campbellsville usually overpowered their opponent. The Lady Tigers had taken nine shots at the charity stripe, making eight of them, whereas the Bears had missed all three opportunities at the line. Wilks Led with 15 points, while Sutton was trailing with six points.
The Bears pushed ahead of the Lady Tigers in the third period of play. Pikeville led by seven points and held a tight defense on Campbellsville. Elizabeth Bertram worked valiantly as she canceled her team's deficit as she knocked down two three-point baskets. Bertram collected Campbellsville's first advantage of the contest since the fifth minute of play.
Bertram began the final quarter collecting a layup for the Lady Tigers. Campbellsville were continuously granted shots from the free throw line, which propelled their lead. Moments later, Bertram went back to the rim for a bucket and a foul. Bertram's baskets gave the Lady Tigers their largest lead of the contest at nine points. As play continued, Pedigo assisted Maddie Nalley in executing a backdoor play for another Lady Tiger layup. Campbellsville capitalized on the Bears' seven turnovers, exchanging them for 14 points. The Lady Tigers faced 11 turnovers, but the Bears only profited eight points from these turnovers. Bertram had not missed a shot as she hit another three-point basket. Campbellsville rallied for the win with a score of 86-76.
Campbellsville connected on 55.1% of their field goals and 46.2% from the arc. The Bears fell short with 46% from the field and 42.9% at the three-point line. The Lady Tigers nearly doubled their points in the paint (42) compared to the Bears' (26). Wilks finished with 23 points, two assists, and five rebounds. Lee scored her season-high by collecting 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Bertram completed the competition, still shooting 100%. Bertram finalized 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds.
The Lady Tigers will return to action this Thursday as they take on Georgetown College. The match-up is to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET in Powell Athletic Center.
