Coming into their final game before Christmas, the Troy Christian Eagles looked to extend their winning streak to seven with a non-conference matchup against a young Franklin Monroe team. The Jets are led by three freshman and a sophomore in the starting lineup, but have been improving every game as the season progresses.
The Eagles were in a giving mood last week, turning the ball over to the Jets with numerous turnovers, and they saw their winning streak come to an end as Franklin Monroe held on for a 32-29 victory to win their fifth game of the season.
Troy Christian never led the entire night, as they struggled to get their offense going. Meanwhile, the Jets built an 8-2 lead midway through the first period as Bella Cable hit a pair of short jumpers and when Corina Conley powered in a layup, the Eagles led by six.
Jayln Forrer buried a three to close the deficit to three ad it looked like the Eagles would start to take command of the game, but the Jets closed out the first quarter with a pair of easy baskets to give the Jets a 12-5 lead.
Kenley Blake hit a pair of free throws to open the second period, and Kathryn Lee added one free toss with 5:43 left in the half, cutting the Franklin Monroe lead to 16-8. For the next five minutes, the Eagles offense was non-existent.
Several turnovers in the remainder of the half prevented the Eagles to cut into the Jets lead, and Conley poured in five of the next seven points, to end the half on a 7-0 run and take a 23-8 lead into the half.
Troy Christian came out in the third period with a 8-1 run to open the period to cut their deficit to eight points at 24-16 as the Jets offense struggled to produce as they also turned the ball over before Conley broke the string with a free throw, and ensuing layup to give the Eagles a 27-16 lead.
With 3:35 left in the game and trailing by eight, Cara Salazar hit a big three from the left wing, followed by a 15-footer to bring the Eagles to within one possession, trailing 30-27 with 3:24 seconds left.
Aubrey Cable answered for the Jets, but Lauren Lavy would again bring the Eagles to within three in the closing seconds. Bella Cable missed a one-and-one with 17 seconds, setting the Eagles up for a chance to tie the game on the final shot. Salazar missed a three in the final seconds, and the Eagles fell short in their home game.
Troy Christian