ATLANTA- Centre women's basketball remained in Georgia for their final game of the Oglethorpe Classic. The Colonels' strong start, and even stronger finish, downed the Hawks by a score of 77-56, improving to an 8-1 overall record. 

GAME HIGHLIGHTS  
- Bailey Rucker opened the scoring from long range, adding a lay-up in the next possession. Emma Rose Vincent and Natalie Duggins continued Centre's offensive push from the paint, stretching their hold to seven nearing the quarter's media timeout. After the break, the Gold & White continued to pull away with a 6-0 streak, closing the first quarter's score at 17-6.
- Already possessing a double figured hold over the Hawks, Anna Thomas and Makya Grinter drained successive long balls to kick start a late, second period scoring streak. Closing the first half, Centre held a 17 point edge over the Hawks.  
- Huntingdon caught momentum opening the second half, reducing Centre's lead to single digits by the media timeout. A three from Emma Perna supplemented with baskets from Vincent and Rucker moved the score deficit to 14 entering the fourth period. 
- The final quarter proved to be the Colonels' best yet. Shooting 77 percent from the paint and 67 percent from long range, Centre more than doubled the Hawks in points. Rucker led the force, putting up eight consecutive points while Grinter and Vincent followed suit. At regulation's end, the Colonels downed the Hawks by a score of 77-56.  

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE  
- Rucker led all athletes in points with 20. The junior added one block, one assist, and two rebounds.  
- Vincent claimed Centre's first double-double of the season, putting up 15 points and taking 11 rebounds. 
- The Colonels nearly doubled the Hawks in rebounds, grabbing 49 to their 29.
- Centre held Huntingdon to 16 percent from behind the arc, shooting 44 percent themselves. 

UP NEXT  
Women's basketball will remain on the road, traveling to Tennessee for their next contest. They'll face Maryville tomorrow, Dec. 18th, at 5 p.m. ET.