Lynn Women’s Hoops Cages Tigers Behind Marquis Performance

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Lynn University’s women’s basketball team was lights out on both the offensive and defensive ends in earning a 64-48 victory over Benedict College on Saturday afternoon.  Marquis Lee was a menace to all on the floor with a game-high 16 points, team-best eight rebounds and career-high seven assists.  The Fighting Knights even their record at 3-3 overall.

For the second consecutive game LU shot over 47% from the field, besting its previous season-high with 48% shooting against the Lady Tigers.  The Blue & White went 13-of-21 (61.9%) on the hardwood in the second half while holding Benedict (3-2) to just 28% shooting in the period and 33.3% overall.  Lynn also forced 22 turnovers and recorded 14 steals, five of which came from Quanisha Dixon.

Tied 26-26 at the midway point, Monique Weathers would give BC its last lead of the game with a three-pointer from the left corner.  Chelsea Patteson responded immediately by marching the length of the court with a lay-up and then knocking down a pair of free-throws to put LU on top 30-29.  The senior point guard scored 16 points on 6-of-12 shooting.

Lee heated up midway through the period with three baskets in a two minute span, including a jumper at the top of the key that put the Knights ahead for good, 40-38, and started a 12-2 run.  Bridgett Williams cut the deficit to 53-45 with 4:34 remaining but Amanda Schultz and Dixon each hit free-throws to increase LU’s advantage back to double-digits.

Benedict knew it was going to be in a for a tough defensive battle right from the get-go as Dixon logged four steals within a 1:20 minute span to help Lynn build a 7-6 lead.  Lynn was able to get up by five, 15-10, when Tashina Bailey scored two of her career-high 10 points and Lee drained a shot from the baseline.  But Charvez Holmes made a trey and Williams hit a running jumper in the paint to knot the game at 15.  Three lead changes and three ties made it an exciting first half with neither team able to build momentum.

The Fighting Knights return to the court on Tuesday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m. when they try to extend their winning streak to three games at Florida Memorial in Miami Gardens, Fla.  Fans can follow the action live by logging on to www.LynnFightingKnights.com and selecting “Game Central.”