Dan Eyrich, AP Sports
A staunch Newman zone defense created more than a dozen first half turnovers by EP as the Comets opened a 32 point halftime lead to cruise to a 49-16 win in Prophetstown on Thursday night. Newman entered the game with a 19-7 mark while the Panthers were 4-16.
EP got off to their worst start in a game this season as they did not score in the first quarter and committed 9 turnovers to trail 18-0 after the first eight minutes. EP had little success getting the ball inside against the Newman zone defense and misfired on their attempts from the perimeter.
The second quarter was no better for EP as they turned the ball over 7 more times. They finally moved the scoreboard with just under two minutes left in the half on a putback by Ava Grawe to make it 34-2 Comets at halftime.
EP started the third quarter on a positive note as Lauren Abbott hit a three-ball to get the Panthers going. While EP took better care of the ball in the quarter they only slightly slowed the Comet offense. Newman ended the frame with back-to-back three-point buckets to stretch their lead to 40 after three quarters.
A running clock made for a quick final period with the Panthers outscoring the Comet bench players 7-0.
Abbott had 6 points to lead the Panthers with Martin leading Newman with 13 and Smith adding a dozen. The Comets dropped in 6 shots from behind the arc.
The Lady Panthers will host Morrison next Monday.
