Lowery and the Spartans came out firing to begin the Western Athletic Conference schedule.

The junior guard led them in scoring in both of their games last week, totaling 32 points and 10 3-pointers. Lathrop coach Dwayne Davis said she is coming into her own as both a primary scorer and defender.

“She’s starting to learn the game better, and I get a feel for her when she’s on a hot streak,” Davis said. “The big thing for her, though, has been to focus on defense, so that she doesn’t pick up cheap fouls and is able to stay on the floor.”

Lathrop (3-0 WAC, 11-6 overall) started league play with a 51-25 rout at Ceres last Tuesday, Jan. 3. Lowery paced the Spartans with 18 points, all coming from six 3-pointers.

Two nights later, Lathrop avenged a previous loss in convincing fashion, pounding visiting Pacheco of Los Banos, 55-36. Lathrop shot out to a 23-6 first-quarter lead, and the Spartans put it away with another run in the third period when Lowery knocked down three 3s. She finished with 16 points.

Lowery is now averaging 9.1 points per game.

The Spartans previously faced the Panthers in the Los Banos Tournament last month, losing 52-45.

“She’s understanding when it’s her time,” Davis said. “When we take out some of our other scorers, she has the green light to put it up, but it has to be within the frame of the offense. But when she’s feeling good out there, I’m going to make sure we’re getting her the ball.”