Harrogate, Tenn. (Dec. 30, 2012) --- The Milligan College women's basketball team was unable to keep pace in the second half as they fell 71-62 to NCAA D-II Lincoln Memorial University in exhibition action on Sunday afternoon in Harrogate, Tenn.
 
   The teams traded baskets to open the game as they were tied at 9-9 five minutes in. Milligan jumped ahead when Tracy Hardiman (Maryville, Tenn.) drained a 3-pointer to give the Buffaloes a 22-17 lead midway through the half, and Dorian Freeman (Augusta, Ga.) pushed the lead to six points with a jumper.

   The Buffaloes maintained the advantage as Callie Cox (Knoxville, Tenn.) extended the lead to eight points with just under five minutes to play, but the Lady Railsplitters closed the half on a 10-1 run to take a 37-36 lead at the break.
 
   In the first half, Kayla Kelly (Chattanooga, Tenn.) led the way with eight points. As a team, Milligan was 12-of-31 (39%) from the floor and 5-of-14 (35%) from behind the arc. LMU finished the half 14-of-33 (42%) from the field and 3-of-11 (27%) from behind the arc.
 
   In the second half, Kelly scored quickly to push the Buffaloes back into the lead. However, LMU responded as they methodically worked their way out to a 16 point lead. Milligan made a late 7-0 run to close the game, but that was as close as they could get before time expired.
 
   Kelly led the way with 17 points and a team high seven rebounds. Jamiee Hill (Johnson City, Tenn.) tallied 11 points, while Johneshia Good (Johnson City, Tenn.) ended the game with eight points.
 
   As a team, Milligan was 20-of-59 (34%) from the floor and 7-of-25 (28%) from the 3-point line. LMU finished the game 29-of-63 (46%) from the field and 6-of-21 (29%) from behind the arc.
 
   The Buffaloes return to Appalachian Athletic Conference play on Thursday, Jan. 3, as they travel to conference newcomer St. Andrews University. Game time in Laurinburg, N.C., is slated for 5:30 p.m.