Jackson, MS----- In the end, Centre was outscored by Millsaps with a final score of 80-57.
Millsaps started the game strong, getting on the board early with a three-pointer from Tia Anderson, who helped set the tone on offense, knocking down shots from deep and finishing inside.
Centre responded with free throws, second-chance points, and inside baskets to cut the deficit to two. however a late three-pointer in the final seconds of the first period by Anderson gave Millsaps a five-point advantage heading into the second.
The Majors kept momentum going as they were able to extend their lead early on from interior scoring by Elysa Warren and continued offense production from Tia Anderson.
the Colonels responded midway in the quarter, with
Arin Nipp who knocked down a jumper, Ryliegh Campbell hit a key three-pointer, and
Lola Fouts added a three and jumper to bring Centre within one possession.
Majors Freeman helped create another separation with multiple inside baskets and converting at the line. Centre was able to keep it close heading into halftime by late baskets from
Tessa Miles and Isabella Combs, cutting the lead to just down by three.
Coming out of the half, the Major took control with scoring from Anderon and Warren, which aided to maintain a steady edge. Centre briefly closed the gap to two after a fast-break layup by
Lilly Reid, making it 33-31.
Colonels, despite numerous offensive rebounds, struggled to convert into scoring plays, leading to costly turnovers, aiding Millsaps.
Tessa Miles helped stop the momentum with late buckets, but Millsaps answered again with scores from Lewis and Maw to close the quarter ahead.
It was the last chance for Centre starting down 56-40, opening the fourth with energy, trimming the defict to 14 behind a three-pointer from Nipp and strong inside finishes from Miles. However, Millsaps had a response for every push from Centre.
Millsaps proved to be too much for Centre as their defensive pressure increased, forcing key turnovers and preventing Centre from building any type of momentum. Millsaps ends the game behind a three from Anderson, making the final score 80-57.
