Green squad hangs on for two-point win

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on October 30, 2009 1:46 PM

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MOUNT OLIVE -- On a night that was billed as a showcase for Mount Olive women's basketball team, the defense shined brighter than the offense as the Green team claimed the annual Green and White scrimmage at Kornegay Arena.

With assistant coaches Bryan Bagwell leading the Green clad squad and Keona Corley instructing the white team, it was clear that both of the defensive units were ahead of the respective offenses one week into practice.

Laporsha Davis scored 10 points as the Green team won 43-41 at Kornegay Arena.

Led by 10 points and three rebounds from Laporsha Davis the Green team held on for a 43-41 victory.

"I think the defense is a little bit ahead of the offense and we are getting better on that end," said Trojans head coach Wendy Lee. "I think that we have the personnel to play up tempo and really get after it."

Both teams played furious defense throughout the scrimmage.

The Green team jumped out to a 35-20 first-half lead in which Davis scored all 10 of her points. Desha Pickett added seven points for the Green squad, which converted eight of 11 free throw attempts.

In the second half, the White team staged a fast comeback on the heels of seven points from Helen Moore. With a 20-minute running clock ticking away, Moore went to work on both ends of the floor. The senior from Kenly scored on consecutive possessions to ignite a 9-0 run. She scored a game-high 18 points and grabbed four second half rebounds.

Moore had a chance to tie the contest in the closing seconds.

After setting a screen, Moore rolled to the top of the key and collected a pass from Meghan Vanderhorst, Moore then fired a 3-pointer and drew a foul just as the buzzer sounded. With no time left on the clock, Moore sank the first free throw, but missed the second.

After eight different players tallied at least one basket in the opening half, only Brittany Miller and Kristin Mobley scored after the intermission for the Green squad. Both players tallied four points in the second half.