Jeremy Wright, Sports Information Intern

HENDERSON, Tenn. – The Freed-Hardeman University women's basketball team (9-10, 3-9 MSC) defeated in-state rival Bethel University 59-58 (9-9, 4-8 MSC) on Thursday to split the season series at one game a piece.

To start the game, the Lady Lions came out hot, quickly building an 11-4 lead. In the second quarter, the team would go up 22-11 behind hot shooting from Alyssa LeMay, who shot 4-for-4 from beyond the arc in the first half. The team would keep their foot on the gas for the remainder of the first half, and take a 33-16 lead into the break.

To start the third quarter, the Wildcats would start to heat up, cutting the lead to as little as six. To end the quarter, the teams would trade buckets with the Lady Lions taking an eight-point lead going into the final quarter of regulation.

In the fourth quarter, the Lady Lions would lead by six points before the Wildcats would go on a 10-0 run to take a four-point lead. The Lady Lions maintained their composure, as Caroline Chambers converted a three-point play to cut the lead to one. The team would get stops on defense, which led to a transition 3-pointer for LeMay who made her fifth shot from deep to take a two-point lead at 57-55.

The team would continue to get stops as Chynia Brooks scored with under one minute left to stretch the lead to four points. Millie Bryant would strike for the Wildcats from beyond the arc with 22 seconds left to cut the lead to one. A turnover by the Lady Lions gave the Wildcats the ball with 15 seconds left and a chance to win the game. The short floater by Ever Walker went long as time expired to give the Lady Lions the win.

The Lady Lions were led in scoring by Chambers, who had 21 points and six rebounds.

LeMay had 15 points and seven rebounds to round out the double-figure scorers.

The team is currently scheduled to be back in action on January 28 against in-state rival Cumberland University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Brewer Sports Center.