Viqueens claim wild consolation battle

MURFREESBORO -- It wasn't for the championship, but it was physical, emotional, and definitely one of the most entertaining games of the Mid-State Christmas Tournament when the Community Viqueens hooked up with host Middle Tennessee Christian in the consolation game on Tuesday night.

The game was as good as any monster roller coaster ride as both teams combined to treat a large contingency of fans to 12 lead changes, 14 successful shots from the 3-point arc, and seven players who scored in double figures.

Community (8-5) emerged the victors by a final score of 51-48 to avenge an earlier season loss and enter a well-deserved break on a most positive note for their program.

"I am very pleased with the way we put yesterday's game behind us and came out ready to play this game," Viqueen coach Allison Layne said. "We definitely turned things around offensively and put some points on the board early. That was key."

The Viqueens trailed 10-9 after one period, then had to overcome five 3-pointers by the Lady Cougars' Alex Martin and Katie Dunn in the second.

The lead exchanged hands three times in the final two minutes as Heather Small and Thompson hit clutch treys. The half closed with the hosts holding a slim 27-25 advantage.

Lady Cougar post Kate Mullins blistered the Viqueen defense for 10 points in the third frame to propel her team to a 41-37 lead as the teams squared off in the final period.

Martin nailed a 3-pointer for Middle Tennessee Christian to bump the advantage to seven points, but the Viqueens used their largest deficit as motivation.

Courtney Vassar and Small picked the Lady Cougar ball handlers clean and Boyce and Thompson made them pay with baskets to cut the lead to a basket at the halfway mark.

Marissa Jones grabbed a rebound off of a missed shot and Thompson found Small over the opposing defense. Small stroked a 3-pointer to put the Viqueens ahead at the 3:23 mark.

The two teams traded baskets before Jones again cleaned the boards and headed up court only to have her progress stopped by a hard foul that sent her sprawling.

The Viqueen post stepped to the line and calmly drained three free throws to effectively put the game out of reach.

"Foul shots were once again a key component for us," Layne said. "Marissa hit several big shots for us. She continues to play well for us.

"It was very satisfying to see that our seniors stepped up to lead the way tonight. We will take a few days off now and get our legs back under us and then hit it hard for our next game."

Aubrey Boyce and Marissa Jones led the way for Community with 13 points apiece. Small and Thompson added 10.

Thompson notched a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists to go with eight rebounds.

Jones hit 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the closing minutes to help nail down the win.

The Viqueens have a brief break before hosting District 9-A opponent Cascade on Tuesday.