BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Centre women's basketball team traveled to Alabama to take on Southern Athletic Association's (SAA) No. 3 ranked Birmingham-Southern. After what proved to be an intense battle, the Colonels racked up their highest number of points in over ten years, defeating the Panthers by a score of 120-110.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- The first quarter opened with several minutes of trading baskets between the two teams. By the first media time-out, Centre held just a four-point edge over Birmingham-Southern. The Panthers quickly landed in foul trouble, putting the Colonels at the line. Between Centre's 11 made free throws and nine second chance points, the Colonels held a seven-point lead over the Panthers entering the second quarter.
- Birmingham-Southern initiated an effective full-court press to open the period. In the first two minutes alone, the Panthers forced three turnovers that sparked a 10-0 run. In an effort to slow Birmingham-Southern, Centre called a time-out that proved successful. Out of the break,
Makya Grinter hit a three that opened an 11-3 run for the Colonels. A final tip-in lay-up from
Natalie Duggins sealed the first half score at Centre 52, Birmingham-Southern 46.
- Out of halftime,
Emma Rose Vincent entered the double figures in points, subsequently handing the Colonels a ten-point lead. Minutes later, the Panthers went on a 9-2 run to tie the game by the quarter's media time-out. –-Out of the break, both teams quickly entered the bonus on fouls and baskets were traded at the charity line. A bank shot from
Anna Thomas gave Centre a two possession hold and a lead that they would never lose.
-Opening the final period, the score sat at Centre 87, Birmingham-Southern 78. With the Panther's full-court defense and difficulties inbounding the ball, Centre's lead quickly reduced to four. A steal turned coast-to-coast lay-up from Grinter took Centre into the triple figures. Out of the mid-quarter break,
Bailey Rucker netted an easy basket and handed the Colonels their largest lead of the game (+11).
-With just one minute left in regulation, the score sat at 113-110 in Centre's favor.
Natalie Duggins quickly added another bucket before Grinter had a substantial heads-up play. The rookie turned a steal into yet another coast-to-coast lay-up. She would add three more points at the line, setting the final score at 120-110.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Centre had five individual players in the double digits.
Emma Rose Vincent put up 24 points while
Katelyn Stiltner and
Payton Herold both had 11.
Bailey Rucker led the game in steals with seven.
-Grinter led the Colonels in points with 25, adding five rebounds, three assists, and was the game leader in steals with six.
-Duggins performed her second double-double of the week after gathering ten rebounds and 23 points.
- After strategically shooting most of their baskets within the arc, Centre shot 60 percent in the paint compared to Birmingham-Southern's 40 percent. The Colonels held the Panthers to 33 percent shooting in the second half.
UP NEXT
The Colonels travel back to Danville to repeat this week's competitions. They will host Millsaps on Friday, the 27th and Birmingham-Southern on Sunday, the 29th.
