Turnovers plague MCLA women as they falter in second half in loss to Emory and Henry 56-53

Daytona Beach, FL- The MCLA women's basketball surrendered a double digit third quarter lead as Emory and Henry rallied for a 56-53 win over the Trailblazers this afternoon in Daytona Beach.  MCLA (5-5) was doomed by a season high 37 turnovers in the loss.

Emory and Henry improves to 7-3 on the season.

MCLA looked firmly in control when Kayla Hotaling converted at the buzzer sending the Trailblazers into the locker room ahead 26-17.  MCLA would then move out to their largest lead at 38-23 before the Wasps came storming back.

They would continue turning over the MCLA offense and would embark on a 18-3 run to close the quarter.  Heading into the fourth, it was MCLA on top just 42-41.  The teams would trade baskets and when McKenzie Robinson converted a putback, it was tied at 51-51 with 4:44 left to play.

The Wasps would take the lead for good when Sydney McKinney made one of two at the line to make it 52-51, still with 3:41 remaining.  Neither team would score over the next two minutes and then the Wasps' Taylor Blevins would connect on a jumper to make it 54-51 with just 1:41 left.

Hotaling would score a quick basket for MCLA making it 54-53 setting up a drama filled final minute.  Emory and Henry missed a pair of three pointers and MCLA had a golden chance to take the lead in the final seconds, but Courney McLaughlin was off the mark on her three pointer forcing MCLA to foul.

Emory and Henry struggled from the line all game long, however Megan Jacoby calmly drained both FT's with just three seconds remaining making it 56-53.  MCLA called timeout to draw up a final play, but McLaughlin was well short of the hoop on a final three point attempt giving the Wasps the comeback victory.

Emory and Henry was paced by Jacoby's team best 13 point effort.  Tessa Johnston and McKinney each ended with 9 points.  The Wasps shot just 24% in the contest, however they held a 20-9 edge off the offensive glass to earn the win.

MCLA was led by Hotaling's 12 points.  She added 9 rebounds and 4 blocks in the loss.  McLaughlin added 11 points while Emily Moulton finished with 10.  The Trailblazers shot 43% but were devastated by the 37 turnovers. 

Emory and Henry actually attempted 19 more shots than the Trailblazers.

MCLA is off until January 4th when they host the Worcester State Lancers in the conference opener.