Johnson University? 48
Welch College?? 45
November 18, 2013. It was a tight, well-played game for Welch College Monday night against Johnson University, but in the end, it came down to who would make their free throws, as the Lady Flames came up just short in the end, 48-45.
The teams were evenly matched throughout much of the game with neither team taking any more than a two-point advantage until late in the game. With 5:28 remaining in the contest, the Royals held their largest lead of the game, 39-33, and it looked like their momentum would be enough for them to pull away from the Flames. But, an Amy Pickett baseline jumper and a pair of Ashton Johnson field goals ended JU’s brief run.
The Royals maintained their slim lead until (Ashton) Johnson hit a floater in the middle with 1:37 left in the game, to give the Flames the lead, 45-44. But, four consecutive Royals’ free throws allowed JU to regain the lead. A last-second three-point attempt for the Flames came up short as time expired.
“It was all about making free throws,” said Flames’ coach Larry Bryan. “They made theirs and we didn’t make ours. It was a good game, but we have to make our free throws.”
For the game, neither team shot particularly well from the field, but Johnson made 17 of 20 free throws (85%), while the Flames were seven for 16 (44%).
Center, Leslie Nichols had another solid game, scoring 14 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and blocking seven shots. Ashton Johnson led all scorers with 17 points. Jessie Melvin led the team in assists, with four.
The Lady Flames drop to 1-4 and host Warren-Wilson on Saturday at 1:00pm.