Keyser, W.Va. – With 2:46 remaining in the fourth quarter, Potomac State guard and Keyser High School graduate Lexi Turner pushed the ball up court and found Kearstin Lucas, another Keyser High alumnus, filling the right wing. The resulting field goal pushed the Catamount lead to 12 points, put to rest any hopes the Howard Community College Dragons had of mounting a comeback and served as a reminder of Lucas' and Turner's respective performances.
Lucas efficiently scored 18 points including 8-12 shooting, 1-2 from three-point range and 1-2 free throws. Turner's totals included 10 points and a game-high nine assists, three of which were highlight reel quality displaying great court vision.
Potomac State started the game strong and held an 18-11 lead after the first quarter. Midway through the second period Howard applied a full court press and were able to pull even at 28-28 at the 1:44 mark. PSC eventually adjusted to the pressure and closed the quarter on a 9-2 run punctuated by a Danijah Allen three pointer with 16 seconds remaining. The Catamounts led 37-30 at halftime.
The third quarter saw Potomac State outscore Howard 18-13, they held a 55-43 edge entering the final period.
In the fourth, Howard was twice able to pull within six points, the second time at the 3:42 mark when a Dragon layup cut the PSC lead to 59-53. The Catamounts followed with a six-point spurt punctuated by the Lucas layup off the Turner assist. From there Potomac State controlled the tempo to close out the 73-58 win.
The Catamounts Marliegh Bays turned in a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds while teammates Erica Merrill added 10 points and Danijah Allen a game-high 11 rebounds.
The Dragons were led by Ashlyn Mcinerney with a game-high 20 points. Other HCC players in double figures were Mia McCormick and Ciara Little with 13 and 10 points respectively.
Potomac State (4-4) has a month-long Holiday break before returning to action at Region XX Division II opponent Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, Md. on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 5:00 p.m.