Lady Bears win a nailbiter over the Coastal Alabama North Coyotes

Saturday, January 25, 2025: Women's Basketball

Baton Rouge, LA 

The BRCC Lady Bears kicked off the 2025 season with a rematch against the Coastal Alabama North Coyotes this afternoon at the Bonne Sante Wellness Center. The Lady Bears had previously defeated the Coyotes 74-51 on November 16, 2024, in Bay Minette, Alabama. In a closely contested game, the Baton Rouge Lady Bears rallied late to hold off the Coastal Alabama North Coyotes, securing a 68-66 home victory.

The first quarter started off a bit sloppy, with both teams trying to shake off the holiday rust. The Lady Bears built an early 10-2 lead at the five-minute mark. They extended their lead to nine points, 14-5, with three minutes left in the quarter. However, the Coyotes found some rhythm offensively and outscored the Lady Bears 6-2 to close the quarter, pulling within five points at 16-11.

In the second quarter, both teams found their offensive stride, resulting in a more competitive game. The Coyotes outscored the Lady Bears 19-16, narrowing the deficit to just two points by halftime, with a score of 32-30.

The Lady Bears came out sluggish in the third quarter, allowing the Coyotes to capitalize. Coastal Alabama opened the quarter with the first eight points, taking a 38-32 lead. The Coyotes pushed their lead to nine points midway through the quarter. However, the Lady Bears responded with a mini 8-0 run to pull within one point with 1:38 remaining in the third, making the score 48-47. The game was tied at 48 when J'nyria Kelly was fouled and converted one of two free throws. The teams continued to trade baskets in the final minute, ending the quarter tied at 51.

The Lady Bears opened the fourth quarter with an 8-2 run, taking a 59-53 lead with over six minutes left in the game. The Coyotes fought back, closing the gap to two points at 65-63 with 1:31 remaining. The Coyotes would tie the game with a steal and a full-court assist leading to a layup with 42.6 seconds left. The Coyotes then took a brief 66-65 lead after converting one of two free throws.

Things got exciting when the Coyotes committed a foul on an inbound play and protested to the referees, resulting in a technical foul. Shelcie LeBlanc converted three of four free throws, giving the Lady Bears a 68-66 lead. The Lady Bears regained possession with 41.8 seconds on the clock. The Coyotes had a chance to tie the game late but missed an open layup as the buzzer sounded, sealing the 68-66 victory for the Lady Bears.

Shelcie LeBlancled the Lady Bears with 22 points. With this victory, the Lady Bears improved to 5-4 for the season, while the Coyotes fell to 5-8. The BRCC Lady Bears now lead the overall series against Coastal Alabama North with five wins to two losses.

Lady Bears Highlights: 

 Shelcie LeBlanc led the Lady Bears with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals. 

 J'nyria Kelly added 13 points and 4 rebounds. 

 Kinsley James scored 8 points, with 1 assist, and 4 steals. 

The Lady Bears will hit the road for a two-game swing, starting with a matchup against the Hinds Community College Lady Bulldogs in Utica, Mississippi, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. 

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