East Peoria, Ill.---The #3 ICC women's basketball team used a strong effort from the free throw line to overcome a shaky third quarter and earn a 71-60 win over Danville Area CC on Wednesday night at Ramsey Gym in Mid-West Athletic Conference action.  The Cougars held a somewhat comfortable 32-16 halftime lead but DACC turned up the defensive pressure in the third quarter to quickly tie the score and keep ICC on the ropes for the remainder of the contest. The Blue & Gold got the stops they needed and went 18-19 from the free throw line in the final stanza to seal the win.

ICC held DACC to just 2-12 shooting in the opening quarter to take an 18-4 lead as Cierra McNamee, Peyton Dearing, Kayla Gordon, Keijah Gray, and Kyleigh Block provided the scoring while Courtney Jones and Derria Edwards dished out the assists.  ICC took their biggest lead at 26-6 on a Jones's basket midway through the period but the Jaguars held steady to keep their halftime deficit manageable at 32-16. 

ICC held a 40-24 advantage midway through the third but then the roof caved in as the Jaguars forced ICC into several turnovers, going on a 16-2 run and drawing to within 42-40.  A Saniya Tutt three-point play livened up the Cougars but three consecutive miscues to end the quarter allowed DACC to knot the score at 46-all heading into the fourth.

ICC opened the quarter on a 9-2 run to go up 57-50 but turnovers reared again and DACC took advantage to close to within 59-58.  A Peyton Dearing steal and layup gave ICC a 61-58 lead and then the Cougars finished the game out with defense and free throws to earn the hard-fought win.  ICC shot 26-30 from the charity stripe, getting their first Region 24 and M-WAC win.

Leaders
Cierra McNamee 15 pts, 11 reb
Kristyn Mitchell 12 pts, 4 reb
Courtney Jones 10 pts, 6 ast
Kayla Gordon 10 pts, 3 ast, 1 chg taken
Peyton Dearing 9 pts, 1 chg taken

Next up:  The Cougars are now 11-6 overall (1-0 in Region 24 and M-WAC play) and will play at #5 Lincoln Land (Springfield) at 1 pm on Saturday, January 15 with the men's game following at 3 pm.   Livestream will be on LLCC Athletics YouTube.