Lubbock, Tx. – No. 10 seed South Plains used a 14-5 run at the end of the third quarter to pull away for good, ending the historic season of No. 23 seed Harford, 77-52, in Monday's 2019 NJCAA Division I National Championship opening round matchup at the Rip Griffin Center.
Behind 15-9 after the first quarter, the Fighting Owls battled back, outscoring the Lady Texans over the game's next 10 minutes to go into halftime down four (30-26).
Dahnye Redd led Harford with eight points during this stretch, with four other Fighting Owls combining to score the other nine.
The tone of the game remained the same in the opening minutes of the third. South Plains attempted to extend their lead, only to find Harford back within a couple of buckets on several occasions. The Lady Texans finally began to pull away from a shorthanded Harford squad with 4:37 left in the third, speeding off on a 14-5 run to end the quarter ahead 59-39.
A historic comeback was not in the cards for the Fighting Owls in the fourth, as South Plains closed out the Fighting Owls year by handing the ladies in blue just their second loss of the entire season.
Despite the loss, Harford's 2018-19 season ends with the Fighting Owls earning a program record 31 wins, as well as their third district title, sixth straight Region 20 championship, and fifth consecutive Md Juco conference tournament crown.
Coach Seney's Thoughts
"It's hard to reflect after a loss because we put so much into this year, but I can say that I am so proud to coach this group. We've broken a few records this season at Harford that I don't think will ever be broken. That happens because of the great staff and players I am fortunate enough to work with every single day!"
Games Notes
- Dahnye Redd and Alexus King led the Fighting Owls with 12 points each. Redd also topped Harford in rebounds (eight), while King tied with Ariana Fleming for the team lead in assists (three).
- Jewel Porter finished with eight points and six rebounds, with six of her eight coming in an attempt to keep Harford afloat during the third quarter.
- Olivia Owens was once again solid in limited minutes, tallying six points on 2-of-3 shooting from three in 19 minutes.
- Ayanna Mazyck and Fleming led the team with two steals each.
- South Plains ruled the paint, outscoring (28-10) and outrebounding (48-29) the Fighting Owls down low.
- The Lady Texans also held Harford to a season 27.9% mark from the field.
- Both teams received 12 points from their reserves.
For more information about the Harford Fighting Owls, visit us at www.HarfordAthletics.com or follow us on social media: Facebook (Harford Athletics), Twitter (@FightingOwlsHCC) and Instagram (@fightingowlshcc).
