Jackson, Tenn. – Lane College outlasted Talladega College by a final score of 61-45 inside JF Lane Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a sluggish start for both teams, Lane (3-1) managed to build and maintain a lead through all four quarters. Talladega (0-3) kept it close early on, with a strong defensive effort in the first quarter, but struggled with shooting consistency throughout the game. The Tornadoes shot just 35.6% from the field, including a paltry 8.3% from three-point range. This lack of shooting efficiency, combined with missed free throws (46.2%), hindered their ability to close the gap.
Lane was efficient offensively, shooting 37.3% from the field, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities. The Dragons also had a strong free throw performance, going 10-for-12 (83.3%) from the line.
Key Performers for Lane:
- Chantoryia Rivers was a standout for Lane, scoring 14 points on 7-of-12 shooting while grabbing 7 rebounds in 23 minutes of play.
- Dyani Bernstine added 14 points as well, including 6-of-8 from the free throw line, and finished with 12 rebounds, contributing heavily to Lane’s dominance in the paint.
- Taylor Lattimore, though shooting only 1-for-7, was key in ball movement, recording 3 assists and 3 rebounds, helping to keep Lane’s offense flowing.
The game saw multiple lead changes early on, with both teams exchanging blows in the first half. Lane was up by just a single point at the end of the first quarter (15-14) but pulled away in the second quarter. The Dragons increased their lead to 30-23 at halftime. After the break, Lane found more rhythm offensively, outscoring Talladega 19-11 in the third quarter to extend their lead to 49-34. Despite a small surge from Talladega in the final frame, Lane’s defense and rebounding effort, especially on the offensive glass, allowed them to control the pace and seal the victory.
Team Stats:
- Talladega: 16-45 FG (35.6%), 1-12 3PT (8.3%), 12-26 FT (46.2%)
- Lane: 25-67 FG (37.3%), 1-11 3PT (9.1%), 10-12 FT (83.3%)
Key Stats:
- Points in the Paint: Talladega 26, Lane 36
- Fast Break Points: Talladega 12, Lane 11
- Second Chance Points: Talladega 4, Lane 21
- Points Off Turnovers: Talladega 19, Lane 19
- Bench Points: Talladega 10, Lane 26
