Mattoon, IL - The #2 Illinois Central College women's basketball team suffered their second loss this week as they fell 72-66 to Lake Land in Region 24 action on Saturday afternoon at Laker Fieldhouse. The loss dropped the Cougars' record to 14-3 overall (1-2 in Region 24) while LLC moved to 9-8 overall and 2-1 in Region 24. 

"Our overall poor defensive effort today cost us the game," Karrie Redeker said. "Credit goes to Lake Land for outplaying us and getting the win."

The Cougars had a good opening quarter for a 20-16 lead. After starting the second quarter with a basket to go up 22-16, the Cougar defense faltered as Lake Land scored on six of their next seven possessions, including three three-pointers to grab the lead at 34-26. ICC managed to dig into the Laker lead and cut the deficit to 40-37 at intermission.

ICC came out with more energy to start the third but two more Laker treys pushed them to a 50-46 advantage. The teams battled back and forth to close the third as the Cougars went up 55-54 heading into the final stanza.

The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the fourth quarter until the Cougar defense broke down again, allowing Lake Land to bury back-to-back treys for a 66-61 lead with just under three minutes remaining. ICC hit a three-pointer to counter at 66-64 with 1:46 to play but that was the last the Cougars would score. Lake Land continued to capitalize on the ICC defensive miscues to close out the game with free throws.

The game saw 14 lead changes and three ties on the afternoon. Final stats showed Lake Land shooting 43% from the field, 50% from three-point range, and 17-29 from the free throw line. Meanwhile the Cougars shot 35% from the field, 29% from three-point range, and 8-13 from the charity stripe.

LEADERS
Rebound leader: Maziah Shelton (11)
Took a charge: A'Meah Lester
Deflections leader: Ellie VanMeenen (6)
Steals leader: Maziah Shelton (3)
Assist leader: A'Meah Lester (6)
I BEAT THE DEAN: Maziah Shelton

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Wed, January 14
at Spoon River at 5:30 pm
Canton, IL 
Livestream: https://vimeo.com/user128506221?embedded=true&source=owner_name&owner=128506221