Basketball Recap: Jayla Merrill's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Lincoln Northeast over Columbus

Lincoln Northeast was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight loss. They were three points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 40-37 heartbreaker at the hands of the Columbus Discoverers. The game was a 20-20 toss-up at halftime, but the Rockets couldn't quite close it out.

Lincoln Northeast lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Jayla Merrill, who posted 13 points and six rebounds. Those 13 points gave Merrill a new career-high. The team also got some help courtesy of Brynna Renard, who had six points and ten rebounds.

Lincoln Northeast's defeat dropped their record down to 3-6. As for Columbus, the victory was the fourth in a row for them, bringing their record for this year to 8-3.

Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Lincoln Northeast will host Norfolk at 5:30 p.m. on Monday. As for Columbus, they will take on Millard North at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.