Marginal Performance Contributed to Loss

With marginal field goal shooting and lack of inside offensive presence, the combination enabled Washington and Lee to steal the home court advantage from the Hayfield Hawks 55-47.

The opening minutes of the first quarter created a handful of opportunities for the young Hawks that developed to a favorable 10-2 lead. However, mistakes in the substitution and marginal efforts by the team enabled Washington and Lee (W&L) a 13-12 lead to end the first quarter

Washington and Lee began the second quarter with key deflections that generated quick points. After 1:33 minutes of play, W&L led 17-12. As the quarter continued, the young Hawks relied on perimeter shots that marginally kept them in the game. They shot 5-11 (45%) from the field, 0-4 (0%) from the 3 point line and 4-6(66%) from the free throw line. Nevertheless, the young Hawks kept on fighting and eventually tied the game 22-22 and with successive free throws and a layup, the Hawks lead 26-24.

In third quarter Washington and Lee aggressively attacked both sides of the court to go on a 13 to 0 run and build an 11 point lead 37-26. In parallel, the young Hawks turned over the ball five (5) times and shot poorly from the floor. They were 2-6 (33%) from the field, 0-4 (0%) from the 3 point area, and 0-1 (0%) from the free throw line. Consequently, they only managed 4 points (lowest points this season in one quarter) to trail 45-30 to end the third quarter.

With their backs against the wall, the coaching staff attempted to play tighter Man 2 Man defense and execute their offense inside paint.  Eventually after multiple attempts, the young Hawks found some of their inside game to narrow the lead 47-51 with less than 30 seconds to play. However, a free throw violation and a defensive oversight gave Washington and Lee additional opportunities to pad their lead and eventually win the game 55-47.