Published: Saturday, November 07, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 5, 2009 7:39 AM CST

CARTERVILLE, Ill. — The Mineral Area College women’s basketball team erased a nine-point halftime deficit, and briefly surged ahead down the stretch of its season opener on Wednesday night.

But host John A. Logan drew a foul and split two decisive free throws with no time remaining to claim a narrow 72-71 victory behind a game-high 14 points from Dalita Scott.

Sonya Milford scored 13 points and Taylor Jensen netted 12 with five steals to pace five Mineral Area players in double figures. The Lady Cardinals (0-1) finished 24-for-29 from the line to remain in contention.

Kylie Oertel compiled 11 points and eight rebounds while Shelli Liverpool and Karley Evans added 10 points in the loss. MAC will host Olney Central at 2 p.m. on Saturday.