Maryville, TN ------ Maryville opened the game strong, able to capitalize early, turning a second-chance opportunity into a layup by Kadence Stoner for the first points of the game. Centre quickly tied it with a jumper from
Lindsay Jessie.
Both teams settled into a defensive rhythm with missed shots and rebounds for both sides. Ella Haney sparked the Scots midway through the quarter with aggressive finishes in the paint. Colonels responded with their own transition offense, and
Ryleigh Campbell scored consecutive fast-break baskets to keep the game tied 6-6.
Centre took their first lead with a converted turnover to a fast-break layup by
Trinity Armour, with a continuation of back-and-forth scoring drives, Maryville quickly responded with a three-pointer by Emily Allen, followed by an inside scoring drive from Haney to put the Scots back in the front momentarily.
Momentum shifted within the final minute of the quarter with Centre's
Lilly Reid layup and Campbell's three-pointer, and Maryville's missed three-point shot gave Centre the lead.
Second quarter, Maryville chipped away at the lead with a layup from Kadence Stoner. This quarter featured long scoring droughts on both sides of the court, with rebounds and strong defense controlling the tempo. Ella Tharpe provided a spark, converting a tip-in to pull Maryville within one.
Midway point through the Quarter, Maryville took its first lead of the period with inside scoring from Ella Haney and Leighan Jackson. Centre briefly answered with a layup and free throws, but Maryville closed the first half strong with forced turnovers and baskets from Emily Allen and Jackson, which helped to build the Scots momentum to carry a 27-24 lead into halftime.
Halftime was the turnaround Centre needed with back-to-back three-pointers to quickly erase Maryville's halftime lead. Maryville answered with scoring from Haney, Fritz, and Stoner to regain a brief advantage. A trade of leads with both teams continued through the middle of the period. Late third quarter, Centre was able to use turnovers and transition baskets from
Trinity Armour to pull ahead, closing the quarter on a run to take a 42-38 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Centre extended their control in the fourth quarter, with an early three-pointer from
Lilly Reid, and proceeded to build the lead with perimeter shooting and points off turnovers. Maryville's Haney kept up with response baskets, including a dunk and a three from Wilson, but Centre's consistency with responses proved to be difficult for Maryville.
As the quarter drew to a close, Centre capitalized at the free-throw line and in transition to extend the gap to double figures. Maryville battled inside late, but Centre was able to close the game from the line to secure a 63-49 win.
