NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Drury Lady Panthers had to work overtime and rally from 12 points behind in the first half to win their season opening game 75-72 over Kentucky Wesleyan on Friday in Nashville, Tennessee. It was the first of two games for Drury in the Pops Duncan Classic hosted by Trevecca Nazarene. It was the season opening game for both teams.
After leading by as much as seven points in overtime, the Lady Panthers had to defend Kentucky Wesleyan’s attempt to tie the game with a three-pointer as time expired. Brittany Wells 24-foot attempt went off the glass as the horn sounded giving Drury the win.
The Lady Panthers started the game in an 11-3 hole and trailed 25-13 with 7:04 remaining in the first half. Drury pulled within four points of the lead by halftime and broke through to go up 41-40 six minutes into the third period.
Drury owned a 60-53 lead with 3:25 left in regulation but Kentucky Wesleyan battled back and Bria Wright’s lay-up with 10 seconds left tied the game at 62-62 to force overtime.
“We came out on our heels,” said Drury head coach Molly Miller. “Kentucky Wesleyan was the aggressor to start the game. They are a veteran team with a bunch of seniors and they handled our pressure well. We have a lot to learn from tonight.”
Heather Harman led Drury with a career high 25 points. The junior from Walnut Grove went 10 for 18 from the field and 4 for 7 from three-point range.
“Before the game, I talked to Heather and told her how much we needed her and her leadership and she responded,” said Miller. “I’m really proud of how she played and we needed her tonight.”
Hailey Dietstelkamp had a double-double for Drury in her collegiate debut. The freshman from Owensville, Missouri had 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Brittany Wells had 29 points for Kentucky Wesleyan and led all scorers.
Drury was without guard Alice Heinzler and center Adrienne Horn who missed the game with injuries.
Drury plays the host school, Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday in the second day of the Pops Duncan Classic. Game time is 3:30 p.m. in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Lady Panthers play their first home game on Tuesday, Nov. 15 against Southwest Baptist in the Highway 13 Catfight presented by Bank of Bolivar.
