DANVILLE, Ky. – Centre women's basketball turned in a stellar performance to open the new year Friday evening, running away from Birmingham-Southern by a wide 113-87 margin inside Alumni Gymnasium.
 
The Colonels snapped a three-game skid and improved to 5-8 overall, including a 2-0 start to the Southern Athletic Association season. The visiting Panthers fall to 7-5 overall and 1-1 in-conference.
 
Centre reached 100 points for the first time since the 1989-90 season in the victory, taking advantage of BSC's high-pressure system by dishing a season-high 25 assists and shooting above 56% overall. The Colonels also set a program record with 64 rebounds.
 
Three individuals recorded double-doubles for the Colonels, including Presley Chirico (23 points, 13 rebounds), Natalie Duggins (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Katelyn Stiltner (16 points, 10 rebounds).
 
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Panthers' system worked in the Colonels' favor in the opening quarter. Centre shot 16 of 25 overall and out-rebounded BSC 18-7, ultimately scoring its most points in a single period (34) this season.
- Chirico scored eight in the opening frame to lead the Colonels, who had seven different contributors during the opening 10 minutes. A Piper Hensley 3-pointer at the buzzer made it 34-17 heading to the second.
- Birmingham-Southern found its shooting touch in the second quarter, hitting six 3-pointers, but the Colonels went step-for-step with the Panthers and remained ahead by 17 at the half, leading 60-43.
- A 13-5 run to being the third quarter helped the visitors climb back within single digits. Centre answered with a 19-10 stretch to close the frame and carry a seemingly insurmountable 84-66 lead into the fourth.
- Centre officially surpassed 100 points on a layup from Emma Riccobene midway through the final stanza.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- The double-double was Chirico's third of the season and second in a row. She has now scored 20+ points on six occasions this season.
- Duggins set a new career high with 20 points on an efficient 7-for-10 effort from the floor while hitting six free throws. It was her fourth double-double of the season.
- Stiltner completed the best game of her young career, finishing with personal bests in points (16) and rebounds (10) while shooting 8 of 11 overall.
- Bailey Rucker finished in double figures with 15 points, including seven in the final period as the Colonels put the game out of reach.
- Payton Herold followed with 12 points while going a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.
- Centre's 25 assists were the program's most in exactly 11 years. The Colonels recorded 32 assists in a win against Sewanee back on Jan. 7, 2011. Rachel Jennings led the team with five helpers, followed by Mackenzie Marovich's four.
- The Colonels out-rebounded the Panthers 64-31, including 19 offensive boards that led to 30 second chance points. The 64 rebounds were the most in Centre women's basketball history.
 
UP NEXT
Centre remains home to host Millsaps this Sunday at 1 p.m.