DANVILLE, Ky. – A handful of standout performances carried the women's basketball squad past Franklin Friday evening by a 64-55 final, competing in the Hampton Inn-Holiday Inn Danville Classic in Alumni Gymnasium.
Rachel Jennings set a new career high with 20 points, as did newcomer
Bailey Rucker with 15.
Natalie Duggins turned in a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double.
The Colonels improved to 2-1 overall while handing the Grizzlies their first defeat and a 1-1 record.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Centre went up 20-14 after the opening quarter, leaning on a bench unit that provided more than half its total. Rucker scored seven early to pace the Colonel offense.
- The visitors bounced back with a strong second quarter, out-scoring the Colonels 19-11 to take a slight advantage into the half.
- A cold spell from Centre to start the third quarter saw Franklin take its largest lead of the game at 40-32 midway through the period.
- Momentum turned later in the quarter, however, as the Centre defense came up with steals on three consecutive possessions, each of which resulted in a basket on the other end. The run was capped by a 3-pointer from Rucker that leveled the score at 40-40.
- The Colonels put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter, thumping the Grizzlies by a 21-8 margin to secure the win. Centre hit 11 of 12 freebies in the final stanza and held Franklin to 4-for-12 from the field.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Jennings surpassed her previous career high in scoring (15), finishing 6 of 10 overall while hitting a pair of 3-pointers. She also recorded a team-high four steals and went 6-for-7 from the charity stripe.
- Rucker totaled 15 points and seven boards, both good for collegiate highs for the first-year.
- Six of Duggins' career-best 13 rebounds were on the offensive end. She added three steals to go along with her double-double.
- Centre went 21 of 29 as a team from the free throw line, compared to Franklin's 6 of 15 effort. The Colonels also hit four more 3-pointers than their opponents.
- The game featured eight ties and three lead changes.
UP NEXT
- Centre closes the Classic Saturday against Maryville at 3 p.m.
