Lady Cats Led Third-quarter Lead Slip Away in Loss to Coffee County
by Mike McGee [Lady Wildcat Photos]
MANCHESTER---The Tullahoma Lady Wildcats (2-10, 0-4) had a six-point lead with three minutes left in the third quarter only to see Coffee County’s Lady Raiders go on a 17-2 run on the way to a 56-46 win over the Lady Cats. After falling behind by nine with 5:22 left in the game, the Lady Cats battled back within one and missed two free throws to take the lead before seeing the Lady Raiders close the show with a 10-1 run. Six of those 10 points came from the free-throw line in the final minute.

The third-quarter meltdown continued a back-breaking trend for the Lady Cats this season where they’ve been competitive most of the game only to hit a dry spell on offense while the opposing team pulls away. Emily Gilbert led Tullahoma’s scoring with 14, and Danae Thornburg added 11 points. Post player Sarah Beth Elam dominated the game in the paint for the Lady Raiders, scoring 22 points including eight of nine from the free-throw line. The Lady Raiders won the game from the free-throw line, hitting 21 for 29 while the Lady Cats hit 6 for 13.

Lady Wildcats (46) Danae Thornburg, 11; Kristina Tucker, 8; Emily Gilbert, 14; Katlin Buchanan, 3; Chrissi Edens, 2; Kristin Vance, 8.
Coffee County (56) Hardin, 2; Cortney Page, 13; Philpott, 6; Taylor, 2; Manning, 5; Odom, 2; Morgan, 4; Sarah Beth Elam, 22.

Three Pointers:
Lady Wildcats 6 (Danae Thornburg, 2; Emily Gilbert, 2; Kristina Tucker, 2)
Coffee County 1 (Philpott, 1)


Free Throws:
Lady Wildcats 6 for 13
Coffee County 21 for 29