OWENSBORO, Ky. – Roosevelt could not overcome a poor third quarter Friday in an 81-76 loss to Kentucky Wesleyan in the season opener at the CCA Tip-Off Classic in Kentucky.
The Lakers (0-1) led by six points at the break after shooting better than 46 percent from the field in the first half. However, Roosevelt went cold, making just 3 of 14 in the third quarter as the Panthers stormed back with a 30-point quarter to take an 11-point lead.
Roosevelt found its form in the fourth quarter by shooting 8 of 13 from the floor, including 4 of 7 from long range, over the final 10 minutes. The deficit grew to as many as 16 early in the fourth, but Isabella Pitta made a jumper with a minute left to cut the Kentucky Wesleyan lead to two points. However, the Lakers missed a pair of 3s and the Panthers made free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Kelly Boyle led the Lakers with 22 points while making half of her 10 3-point attempts in the game. Braelyn Torres added 13 points in her first game with the Lakers and Pitta finished in double figures as well with 10 points. Roosevelt finished the game shooting 44 percent overall and 11 of 29 from deep while adding 20 second-chance points and 22 points off turnovers.
Pitta had four steals to lead the way on defense and Torres topped the team with six rebounds as Roosevelt held a 41-34 advantage. Isabel Lindo added a team-best four assists and Josie Christopher dropped nine points in her first collegiate game before fouling out of the contest.
Roosevelt faces Missouri Western on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. in the Lakers' final game of the CCA Tip-Off Classic in Kentucky.
