Danville, KY ----- It was Alumni Day at Centre College, as we honored teams of the past, we also took the win in the present with the final score 66-56.
The first quarter opened with defensive pressure, with both teams trading missed shots and turnovers early. Oglethorpe got on the board first at the free-throw line, while Centre answered behind
Lola Fouts and
Claire Russell, who provided early interior scoring nd extra possessions with offensive rebounds.
Midway through the quarter, the Colonels took over momentum with
Lilly Reid, who sparked a run with back-to-back jumpers and a steal that led to quick points. Oglethorpe responded by attacking the basket and capitalizing at the foul line. Keimarya Rivera was steady from the line, while Anna Cnza knocked down a three late in the quarter to shift momentum back.
The quarter closed with both teams struggling to finish at the rim, Oglethorpe taking a slight edge over Centre going into the second quarter.
The second quarter proved to be a little bit of chaos and turnover-heavy, as both teams struggled to establish an offensive rhythm. The opening minutes featured multiple steals on both sides, as defensive pressure forced rushed passes and empty possessions. Marlie Battle was disruptive for Oglethorpe, creating multiple steals and slowing Centre's momentum.
Centre countered with balanced guard play, getting timely buckets from
Tessa Miles,
Ryleigh Campbell, and
Lilly Reid. Mid-to-late quarter possessions remained physical, with multiple second-chance opportunities on both ends.
The colonels closed the half with a late jumper from
Lindsay Jessie, sending them into halftime holding a narrow advantage, after an intense defense-driven second quarter.
out of halftime, both teams traded steals and turnovers almost immediately, Centre struck first, capitalizing at the free-throw line behind
Lilly Reid, while Oglethorpe answered with points of their own at the line, keeping the margin close.
As the quarter progressed, the game turned more physical and whistle-heavy. Miles was a major factor for Centre, repeatedly attacking the paint, scoring on drives, and drawing fouls. Oglethorpe relied heavily on Rivera and Battle to bring it within striking distance.
Late in the quarter, Oglethorpe showed a fight with hustle plays, offensive rebounds, and another score from Battle, but Centre was able to keep balance, and the ability to convert possessions allowed them to extend the margin heading into the fourth.
Oglethorpe started the fourth with an early bucket and three from Anna Conza, cutting into the lead until the Colonels answered by staying poised at the free-throw line and scoring timely baskets to halt the Petrels' momentum.
The Stormy Petrels battled behind offensive rebounds and baskets from Rivera, Foster, and Battle, but Centre maintained composure, with clock control and late free throws allowed them to hold the lead and close out on a win.
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