Womens Basketball
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WBB Falls in National Title Game

WBB
Joplin, Mo.

In their first year as a program DeAnthony Ellison's 2nd seeded Lady Tigers took on the 5 time defending champs, Arlington Baptist. 

The first quarter showed the nerves of the 1st year program, with careless turnovers and rushed shots. Resulting in a 29-19 deficit after the first quarter. 

The Lady Tigers settled down, and came out firing in the second quarter thanks to Junior point guard, Nay Manning. Manning had 6 points in the quarter to go along with 1 assist, 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Bringing the score to 44-42 at halftime. 

Champion came out firing on all cylinders after half, and locking in on the defensive end. Hold the Lady Patriots to 3 of 20 shooting in the 3rd quarter. Allowing the Lady Tigers to take a, 57-51 lead with :30 left in the quarter before Rebecca Farmer hit a deep 3 with :12 left bringing Arlington back within 3 at the end of the third. 

Arlington showed their championship grit in the fourth, retaking the lead within the first :58 seconds of the fourth. Champion would not go away quietly though, staying with striking distance with the score 72-67 with 1:15 left in the game, but the depth of Arlington took it's toll. Allowing the LAdy Patriots to hold on for a 75-69 win. 

Nay Manning lead all scorers with 23 points on 9 of 14 shooting, to go along with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. T'Kira Fuller added another double-double with 22 points and 15 rebounds. 

The Lady Tigers will return to Joplin, MO Tuesday March 10th for the NCCAA National Tournament as the 7 seed, where they will face off against the 2nd seeded Maranatha Baptist Lady Sabercats.