The Lakeland College women's basketball team won its first game in the Daytona Beach Shootout on Tuesday night, a 67-48 victory over Hamline University (Minn.).
The Muskies (4-4) took control of the game early and didn't look back as their inside presence and great bench play enabled them to wear down the Pipers defense.
Lakeland took a 10-point, 19-9 lead at the 10:13 mark in the first half and seemed to cruise through the rest of the game. Seniors Allison Davis and Becca Paulson hit some big 3-point shots to stretch the Muskies lead and provide solid bench play, something that head coach Lindsey Vande Hoef was excited to see. Lakeland took an 11-point, 33-22 lead into the break.
Lakeland's defense held Hamline to just 25 percent (8-32) shooting, 23 percent (3-13) from behind the 3-point arc. The Muskies meanwhile shot 34.4 percent (11-32) from the field, 38.5 percent (5-13) from long range and didn't miss a free throw in six attempts. The Muskies also held a considerable edge on the boards, 28-18.
The Pipers never got within more than seven points in the second half as the Muskies were able to maintain their fast-paced offense and pressure defense throughout the game. Lakeland's bench produced 40 points to pace the Muskies and allowed Vande Hoef to rest her starters for much of the second half.
For the game, Lakeland shot 42.4 percent (25-59) from the field, 38 percent (8-21) from the 3-point line and 64.3 percent (9-14) from the charity stripe. They finished the game with 39 rebounds and forced 17 turnovers.
Sophomore Leah Eisner and Paulson both set new season highs in scoring, 11 and 10 points respectively. Sophomore Jessica Genke led the team with seven rebounds and added eight points.
The Muskies return to action Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST as they take on Pacific University at the Daytona Beach Shootout.
To hear what Vande Hoef had to say about the team's performance and her take on tomorrow's game, click here.
To see what Paulson had to say about her big night, click here.
To see the pregame introductions at the Ocean Center, click here.