SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The No. 7 Parkland College women's basketball team lost its first conference game of the year 71-66 at No. 20 Lincoln Land Community College on Saturday, January 27. The Cobras (16-3) (4-1) rallied to take a late lead over the Loggers (15-3) (2-1), but the offense fell cold in the final minute, and Parkland lost its second road game of the season. Sophomore guard Abby Shepard (20 points, 3 assists) led the team in scoring, hitting a career-high six three-pointers in the loss. The Cobras shot 41 percent from both the field and three-point range, but the team coughed up 15 turnovers and got outrebounded 36-30.
 
The Cobras grabbed a 16-14 lead midway through the first quarter following an Alyssa Cole three, and the visitors stayed in front 24-21 at the end of the first quarter. The Loggers battled back in the second quarter, taking a 32-26 lead with 4:35 on the clock – but the Cobras closed the half with some momentum thanks to a Siarah Brown jumper, still trailing 34-31. Parkland cut the Lincoln Land lead to one point two separate times in the third quarter – but the Cobras found themselves down 53-45 heading into the fourth, their largest deficit of the game. Siarah Brown opened the fourth quarter with a three to kickstart a 17-5 Parkland run, forcing a Lincoln Land timeout with 3:49 remaining down 62-58. The Loggers retook the lead out of the timeout, but Parkland freshman Savannah Prather hit back-to-back shots down low in the closing stages to tie the game 66-66 with 1:13 to go. Lincoln Land again quickly regained the lead, and Parkland couldn't get anything going late in the 71-66 loss.
 
Statistical Overview:
Abby Shepard: 20 points (6-9 3PT), 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Alyssa Cole: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
Siarah Brown: 13 points, 3 rebounds
Megan Janson: 5 points, 8 assists
Savannah Prather: 5 points, 7 rebounds
 
Up next, Parkland returns home for another conference matchup against Illinois Central College on Wednesday, January 31. Tip-off against the Cougars (13-7) (3-1) is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.