Lady Bucs fall, in danger of missing A-Sun tourney

ETSU lost to the Mercer Bears on Saturday, extending their losing streak to four.

The three-game losing streak began with a heartbreaking last-second home loss to Northern Kentucky two weeks ago, then continued on the road against Stetson and Florida Gulf Coast.

They entered the match with star offensive player Destiny Mitchell, a junior, still benched from an injury sustained in the home win against Lipscomb. Senior Tosha Austin, also injured in the game against Lipscomb, sat out for a few games but has since returned to the lineup.

“We had a very, very disappointing second half,” said head coach Karen Kemp. “They are a very good team, and we weren’t making it happen today.”
ETSU struggled to keep the ball early, committing three turnovers before taking their first shot. Mercer capitalized on ETSU’s turnovers to lead 12-6.

The Lady Bucs bounced back though, tying the match at 15-all with under 10 minutes left in the first half. The Bears answered back to retake the lead but ETSU kept the game close, staying within a single possession of Mercer.

The Lady Bucs fought back to take the lead late in the half, leading the Bears 25-23 with just over five minutes remaining. ETSU continued to lead but struggled to put any distance between themselves and Mercer. ETSU led 34-33 going into the half.

Mercer started the second half attacking and took the lead early, 36-34. Both teams struggled to make baskets in the opening minutes of the second half. Mercer scored only five points in the first four minutes while ETSU was held scoreless during that time.

The Bucs scored their first points of the second half with just under 14 minutes to play and looked to get back in the game before it was too late. Mercer had other ideas. The Bears kept grinding and playing tough defense to stretch their lead to double digits with just over 10 minutes left in the half, 50-38.

As the half progressed, Mercer started to roll offensively, stretching the lead point after point, 61-46 Mercer, with six minutes left to play.

Mercer would go on to finish the game and beat the Lady Bucs, 67-58.

“Our defensive pressure got away from us in the second half and we made a lot of turnovers early,” said Brianna McQueen.

The Lady Bucs were led by freshman Brianna McQueen with 12 points, sophomore Cara Bowling with 10 points and red-shirt sophomore Tiana Burley with 11 points. Tosha Austin and red-shirt sophomore Serena Clark combined for five blocks on the night.

ETSU now looks forward to a face-off with Kennesaw State.

 “We are in crunch time,” said Kemp.