Lady Rebels slip by Marmaduke in NEA Tournament

In a battle of wills, Riverside finally outlasted Marmaduke 19-17 in the first round of the Northeast Arkansas Invitational Tournament Wednesday night at the Convocation Center in Jonesboro.

Riverside's Becca Frayer looks to score as teammate Meagan Goza looks on. (Town Crier photo/Trent Fletcher)

The two teams fought to a 10-10 tie after the first period, but no one in the stands knew what was coming in the next three quarters. After an inside bucket by Lady Rebel Lauren Weaver gave Riverside a 12-10 lead to start the second period, Marmaduke responded when Mercedez Jones drilled a three pointer, giving the Lady Greyhounds a 13-12 advantage with 6:36 to go in the half.

Riverside misfired on its next possession, and the Greyhounds chose to go into a stall as the Rebels stayed back in a one-three-one zone defense. As the fans screamed for action, the Greyhounds were content on holding the ball for the next six minutes, until Riverside pulled out of the zone, coming up with a steal at the eight second mark. Riverside's Michelle Cobb got off a three pointer just before the buzzer, but the shot was short, leaving the Greyhounds with a 13-12 halftime edge.

Marmaduke started the second half with an offensive stick-back by Morgan Hatcher, who led the Lady Greyhounds with six points, but the Rebels rallied, scoring the last six points of the quarter to take an 18-15 lead into the final period.

After Marmaduke's Hatcher connected on two free throws with 4:11 to go, Riverside turned the tables on the Greyhounds and went into a delay game of their own. Marmaduke finally fouled, sending Becca Frayer to the free throw line with nine seconds remaining, where the sophomore connected on one of two attempts, giving Riverside a two point lead. The Greyhounds had one last chance to pull out the win, but couldn't convert, allowing the Lady Rebels to escape with a two point victory.

Jones also scored six points for the Lady Greyhounds, who finished three of seven from the foul line.

Weaver and Meagan Goza led Riverside with six points apiece while Frayer scored five and Kyley Campbell added two points. Riverside hit seven of 10 foul shots.

Riverside's NEA title hopes ended Saturday night against top seeded Cave City, as the Cave Women rolled to a 53-36 victory. Cave City jumped to an early 12-1 lead, and led 12-3 after the first quarter. Riverside, who fell to 10-8 on the season, trailed 27-12 at the half and 43-16 after three periods.

Cheyenne Childers led Cave City with 18 points while Meagan Goza led all scorers with 20 points while grabbing nine rebounds.