February 16, 2012

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Keta Robinette and Ladondra Johnson combined to score 43 points as Young Harris College overcame a slow start to record an 85-66 women's basketball victory over Tennessee Temple University Thursday (Feb. 16) evening at McGilvroy Gymnasium.

The Mountain Lions in just their second year of the program won their 20th game of the season as they improved to 20-3 while the Crusaders fell to 5-22. Young Harris returns to the YHC Basketball Arena for the final time this season Saturday (Feb. 18) when they host Berry College in a 2 p.m. contest.

Tennessee Temple jumped out to a 29-18 lead after a layup by Amber Charles with 10:15 remaining. The Crusaders got out to the quick start as they connected on 10 of their first 15 field goal attempts, including 7-of-11 from three-point range.

The Mountain Lions battled back as they used a 16-5 run to tie the game at 34 on Arielle Thomas' jumper with 3:32 left in the first half. Young Harris took the lead for good at 39-36 as Robinette nailed her third three-pointer of the half with 37 seconds remaining.

Young Harris broke the game open as they outscored the Crusaders 11-1 to start the second half as they took a 50-37 on a Johnson layup with 15:32 to play. The Crusaders got as close as 10 points (66-56) with just under five minutes remaining.  The final margin – 19 points – was the largest of the night for the Mountain Lions.

Robinette led Young Harris with a career-high 22 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Johnson added 21 points and eight rebounds. Lauren Smith also scored in double figures with 11 points while Peyton Robertson grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds. Samantha Ricks led the Crusaders with 19 points while Amber Charles (11) and Briana Reeves (10) also scored in double figures.