Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
LETHBRIDGE – A tough third quarter at the offensive end derailed things for the MacEwan Griffins women's basketball team on Friday night.
Up 35-29 at half-time over the Lethbridge Pronghorns, the Griffins were outscored 22-8 in the third and never could catch back up in an 80-67 Canada West defeat.
"It was a bit of a tough third quarter – that was the difference in the game," said Adams. "Some missed opportunities on our end, for sure – just some shots that didn't fall and some really untimely turnovers that really got them on a run.
"Credit to them because they shot the ball really well. In the second half, they were 5-for-9 from the three-point line. They shot 47 per cent from three for the game. It's tough when you defend and you're there and they make some really tough shots.
"They adjusted well in the second half and got us on our heels. It was too much to recover from coming down in the fourth."
With the result, the Griffins fall to 1-4 in the standings, while Lethbridge improves to 3-4.
The third quarter had a snowball effect where the Griffins were getting scored on despite playing good defence and it led to their game coming apart a bit at the seams.
"Under those pressure situations where you defend tough and they hit some shots despite your good defensive effort, it makes you press a little bit more at the offensive end because you feel like you have to match that," said Adams. "We had some good opportunities, shots just didn't fall the same way for us. It took us out of our rhythm a little bit and fed their run."
Mackenzie Farmer led the Griffins with 20 points and six rebounds, while Noelle Kilbreath chipped in 13 points. Hayley Lalor played a game-high 37 minutes, producing six assists and eight points.
"Mac was solid," said Adams. "She got to the free throw line 12 times. She was consistent for us in a lot of different areas.
"Mady (Chamberlin) was solid with the ball again today. Just her steady, consistent self, finding a lot of ways to contribute."
The teams will meet again on Saturday (5 p.m., Canada West TV presented by Co-op).
