DANVILLE, Ky.- Centre women's basketball hosted Berry for their Southern Athletic Association (SAA) home opener. Coming down to the very last minute, the Colonels fended off the Vikings' comeback attempt to win by a score of 53-48.
GAME HIGHLIGHTS
- Centre dominated in the initial minutes, taking an early lead with an 11-2 scoring stretch. In attempt to stifle the Colonels, the Vikings amped up their defense that proved successful as the score showed 14-12 entering the second quarter, Centre favoring.
-The Vikings opened the next period with a long ball to take the lead but quickly fell back as Centre's Anna Thomas answered from long range, followed with a jumper from Emma Rose Vincent. After trading baskets for much of the period, Makya Grinter closed the half with a pair of succeeding baskets, granting Centre a three-possession lead entering halftime.
- Opening the second half, the two teams continued to match one another up until the quarter's media timeout. Out of the break, rookie Arin Nipp returned the Colonels' hold to double figures with an easy lay-up. Closing the period, the Viking's reduced the deficit to seven at the line.
- Berry continued to chip away at Centre's hold throughout the final quarter, eventually stealing the lead with a three-pointer in the game's final minute. Already in foul trouble, the Viking's repeatedly placed Bailey Rucker and Grinter at the line. Together, the two Colonels went 7-8, solidifying a 53-48 victory.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Grinter led the court in both points (17) and assists (3). The sophomore also fronted the Colonels in rebounds with nine.
- Rucker and Vincent both achieved double figured points. Rucker put up 11 points as Vincent followed with ten.
- Centre favored in rebounds with 39 while Berry nabbed 24.
- The Gold & White shot 76 percent from the line, going 13-17.
-The close contest saw four lead changes.
UP NEXT
The Colonels will remain at home for the next contest. They'll host SAA's Oglethorpe on Sunday, Jan. 12th, at noon.
