USJ girls fall in Division II-A semifinals to FRA

Jackson Sun

FRA forward Zharia Hutchinson (30) battles for the ball with USJ forward Claire Lewis during the first half of their semi-final game in the TSSAA Division II basketball state championships at Allen Arena Thursday, March 1, 2018 in Nashville, Tenn.

NASHVILLE - After falling behind early, the University School of Jackson girls basketball team struggled to get back ahead as the Lady Bruins fell in the Division II-A semifinals to Franklin Road Academy 53-48.

"We told them we had to be stronger with the ball, but we were loose with the ball," USJ coach Tony Shutes said. "One of those games where we just didn't take care of the basketball.

"I thought we did a better job in the second half. We came back fighting."

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The Lady Bruins (27-5) went scoreless in the final 6:02 of the first half and finished the half with 11 turnovers, which led to 18 of FRA's 31 first half points.

USJ did take a lead with 4:56 to play (44-42), but 19 turnovers in the game cost the Lady Bruins in the end.

Ashton Hulme led USJ with 25 points and seven rebounds. FRA was led by Kennedy Cambridge with 16 points.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.