DAYTON, TN (WLAF) – For the sixth time this season, sophomore forward Destiny Kassner has eclipsed the 20-point mark, as the former Oak Ridge High School standout led the 18th-ranked Bryan women’s basketball team in an overwhelming 85-61 win at home over Appalachian Athletic Conference visitor Truett McConnell University (Ga.). Kassner was 9-of-11 with a pair of made three’s and two foul shots in tying her second-largest scoring performance on the year. She was trailed by a trio of Lions who also found double-figures with Kaitlynn Hennessee and Tristan McClellan scoring 13 points apiece and Sarah Cain tallying 11 points. Deandra Luna was quiet on the scoring front with five points but pitched in a game-high 10 assists. Other highlights included Burnette’s eight points, Hennessee’s seven rebounds, and the pair of Cain and Amadea Pankey who collected six rebounds each. Hennessee also made an impact on the defensive end with three blocks and two steals.

The Lions are nearing the 20-win mark, lifting their overall record to 19-1 and AAC record to 15-0. The Bears were knocked down to 10-11 overall and 6-9 in conference play.

Although Truett was efficient through the first two quarters with 45 percent shooting from the floor and 43 percent from three-point range, it was no surprise that Bryan wasted no time in establishing a commanding lead thanks to a scorching 54 percent shooting in the first half and connecting on 46 percent behind the arc. Four minutes into the opening period and the Bears had only scored four points compared to the Lions’ 15. The double-digit separation only grew as the quarter unfolded, resulting in a 29-13 edge entering the second quarter. A three-pointer by Truett near the 6-minute mark of the second quarter made for an interesting moment with the Bears trailing a mere eight points, 34-26, but the Lions responded with seven unanswered points thanks to a trey and pair of free throws by Cain and a bucket in the paint by Hennessee. The counter put a damper on Truett’s attempt back into the game, and Bryan rode the momentum for a 49-32 lead at the break.

The third quarter saw the pace slow for both sides, but it was Bryan who still managed to add to the deficit, outscoring Truett 14-10 to go in front 63-42 with only 10 minutes left to play. If the Bears’ hopes at a comeback weren’t already gone, Kassner and Ludy delivered a message in the Lions’ first two possession of the final period. Kassner capitalized inside, and Ludy nailed a look from long distance to lead 68-42. Midway through the quarter, the margin reached as high as 28 points at 75-47 and again at 77-49. Bryan easily cruised through the final five minutes to an 85-61 victory.

Bryan controlled the boards 40-26, compiled six blocks, shot 53 percent in the contest, and dropped in 10-of-23 from deep.

The Lions’ three-game homestand comes to a close this weekend when they try to claim win number 20 on the season, as they play host to the Yellow Jackets of Allen University (S.C.). Bryan and Allen will tip-off at 2pm on Saturday, Jan. 25 inside Summers Gymnasium. Allen comes in with a notable 13-4 overall record and 12-4 record in the AAC.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/23/2020-6AM)

 

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