Sophomore guard Megan Lee scored a season-high 26 points including a go-head three-pointer with four minutes left that triggered an 21-4 run to finish the game as host St. Andrews Presbyterian College defeated Conference Carolinas rival Coker College, 81-69, in Harris Court Wednesday evening.

“Megan Lee had flashes of offensive brilliance this evening, and made the tough shots while playing with the poise and composure that we needed her to in order to win the game,” said Jessica Vanco, St. Andrews second year head coach.

The Lady Knights scored a season-high 81 points on a season-best 45.5-percent (25-of-55) shooting to improve to 2-14 overall and 1-12 in the league. The win snapped a 35-game losing streak in Conference Carolinas play for St. Andrews. The Cobras (2-17, 1-13) not only lost their 11th straight game but they also lost their leading scorer, senior Lotta Aaltonen, in the first half due to an ankle injury.



I am so very proud of my team tonight, as they truly showed us a total team effort and a will to win down the stretch,” said Vanco. “During a second half timeout, I told the women the game will come down to free throws and rebounding, and we rose to the challenge by shooting 92% from the line and held them to five offensive rebounds – which demonstrated a total team commitment.”

SAPC sophomore guard Brittany Roberts notched her first collegiate double-double by contributing 12 points and 10 rebounds.

“Brittany’s 10 defensive rebounds and shooting 100% from the free throw line had a significant impact on the game. Her defensive play ultimately helped to create our offense,” expressed Vanco.

Senior center Kayla Hay just missed her own double-double for the Knights with 18 points and nine boards.

“Once again, Kayla Hay’s performance has been extremely impressive, as it has been over the past several games as she consistently dominates the paint. Kayla has been so dominating that she literally forces her opponents to double and triple team her, while repeatedly driving through or around them to hit key baskets which gave our team the crucial momentum necessary to win the game tonight.”

Senior guard Jaquese Smith was the Knights fourth player to reach double figures scoring all 12 of her points in the second half. Smith tallied eight of her points on a perfect 8-for-8 performance from the free throw line while also handing out a career-high eight assists. “Jaquese showed her senior leadership by racking up eight assists and hitting all eight of her free throws in the crucial moments of the game to help seal our victory.”

Coker looked poised to complete the season series sweep as senior forward Henna Koponen made a basket with 5:43 left in regulation that provided the Cobras with a late six-point cushion, 65-59. However, the Knights were determined to end their 11-game losing streak holding Coker to just one field goal in the final five minutes while putting together a decisive 21-4 run en route to the 12-point victory.

St. Andrews scored 10 straight points to start the rally including Lee’s go-ahead trey, where she stepped back at the top of the arc and confidently drilled her fourth 3-pointer. Lee was a perfect 4-for-4 on three-pointers as the Knights made a season-high seven 3-pointers.

SAPC sealed the victory from the charity stripe making 24-of-26 (92.3-percent) free throws in the second half including its last 10 attempts in the final 90 seconds. The Knights finished the game an impressive 83.3-percent (25-of-30) on the freebees as Smith (8-8), Lee (6-6), and Roberts (6-6) were a perfect 20-for-20 from the free throw line.



The Knights, who were playing with only six active players, used a balanced offense. The freshman tandem of Essence Chism and Sylvee Ubiera chipped in with nine and four points, respectively. Vanco commented, “What seems to be becoming an encouraging trend lately, is how truly inspired our team gets by the heart and effort that both Essence and Sylvee provide us despite their inexperience. I am looking forward to watching our freshmen mature over the next several years as their heart, talent and team work will be the foundation of a successful program.”

Chism and Roberts each pulled down 10 rebounds as St. Andrews dominated the backboards, 44-34. The Knights combined for seven blocks including three swats by Hay and two rejections by Ubiera.

Koponen led the Cobras with 22 points. Senior Kiesha Beavers was the only other Coker player to reach double digits with 20 points. Beavers filled up the box score with five assists, four steals, and three boards. In the first half, Hay and Chism made back-to-back hoops in the paint to start the game as SAPC grabbed a quick 4-0 lead. The sequence jumpstarted a 21-10 run by the Knights in the first eight minutes that was highlighted by a pair of made three-pointers by Lee.

Coker answered with a 17-6 rally to tie the contest for the first time, 27-27, with 5:30 left in the opening period. Koponen capped the comeback with the last four points. After trading baskets for the next couple of minutes, Koponen made the final basket of the half with 90 seconds left to give the visitors a slim 34-33 advantage at the intermission.

St. Andrews had a hot stroke in the first half canning 48.3-percent (14-of-29) of its shots including an impressive 57.1-percent (4-of-7) from three-point distance. Coker was held to 36.1-percent (13-of-36) accuracy in the first 20 minutes.

Lee led all players into the locker room with scoring half of her 26 points in the opening period. Lee finished the game shooting 8-for-13 while adding a season-best eight rebounds.