JACKSON, Tenn. – Lane College (2-1) dominated Arkansas Baptist College (0-2) with a 62-40 victory on Friday evening. The Dragons showcased strong rebounding, defense, and balanced scoring, leading wire-to-wire in the win.
First Half: Lane 40, Arkansas Baptist 17
Lane College took control early, jumping to a 19-13 lead after the first quarter. The Dragons shot a scorching 64.3% (9-14) in the opening frame, building a solid foundation. They continued to press their advantage in the second quarter, despite shooting just 31.8% (7-22). The Dragons’ defense and rebounding were key factors, as they out rebounded Arkansas Baptist 21-9 by halftime and outscored them 18-6 in the paint.
Arkansas Baptist struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 15.4% (2-13) from the field in the second quarter and failing to hit any three-pointers (0-5). Ariel Jefferson (11 points) and Cherrel Dorton (10 points) were the only consistent scorers for the Buffs, but the lack of offensive support left them trailing 40-17 at the break.
Second Half: Lane 62, Arkansas Baptist 40
In the second half, Lane College maintained its lead, though their shooting cooled off. The Dragons shot just 26.3% (5-19) in the third quarter and 33.3% (5-15) in the fourth, but they didn’t let up on defense. Arkansas Baptist, unable to find much offensive rhythm, was limited to just 7 points in the third quarter and 16 in the fourth.
Lane’s defense and ability to capitalize on turnovers (31 points off turnovers) kept the Buffs at bay. Despite a solid effort from Jefferson and Dorton, who combined for 21 of Arkansas Baptist’s 40 points, Lane’s balanced attack and rebounding (54-30) ensured the game was never in doubt.
Key Performances:
- Lane College:
- Chantoryia Rivers (8 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist) – Dominated the glass and was a key factor in Lane’s second-chance opportunities.
- Breonna Carey (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) – Contributed both offensively and defensively, helping spark the offense in the first half.
- Erica Richardson (9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) – Provided a scoring lift off the bench and helped stretch the lead.
- Morgan Sullivan (7 points, 5 rebounds, 1 block) – Strong off the bench, contributing both offensively and defensively.
- Arkansas Baptist College:
- Ariel Jefferson (11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists) – Played the full 40 minutes and led the team in scoring and rebounding.
- Cherrel Dorton (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist) – Had a solid all-around performance but struggled with shooting efficiency (3-10 FG).
- Ah’jaia Kenner (9 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists) – Contributed across the board but couldn’t find much scoring in the second half.
Game Stats:
- Field Goals: Lane 26-70 (37.1%), Arkansas Baptist 13-57 (22.8%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: Lane 5-22 (22.7%), Arkansas Baptist 2-11 (18.2%)
- Free Throws: Lane 5-9 (55.6%), Arkansas Baptist 12-22 (54.5%)
- Rebounds: Lane 54 (21 Offensive), Arkansas Baptist 30 (9 Offensive)
- Assists: Lane 35, Arkansas Baptist 34
- Turnovers: Lane 21, Arkansas Baptist 18
- Bench Points: Lane 36, Arkansas Baptist 8
- Points in the Paint: Lane 36, Arkansas Baptist 18
- Points off Turnovers: Lane 31, Arkansas Baptist 21
Team Summary:
- Second Chance Points: Lane 17, Arkansas Baptist 3
- Fast Break Points: Lane 10, Arkansas Baptist 13
- Lead Changes: 0
- Scores Tied: 0
Postgame Notes:
Lane College’s rebounding and defense were the defining factors in the game. Despite some shooting struggles in the second half, the Dragons’ ability to secure second-chance points and convert turnovers into fast-break opportunities kept Arkansas Baptist from ever mounting a serious challenge.
Arkansas Baptist showed flashes, particularly from Jefferson and Dorton, but their inability to hit shots consistently and a tough second quarter ultimately doomed them. The Buffs will need to improve their shooting and find more offensive options as they continue their early-season struggles.
With the win, Lane College improves to 2-1 on the season and will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for the rest of their schedule.
