MARIETTA, Ga. ---- Despite trailing by as many as 17 Thursday night, the Life University women's basketball team shot 52% in the second half to come back and win 60-56 against Truett McConnell at home.

The Bears came out swinging in the first two quarters as they led by as many as 17 with 35 seconds left in the second quarter. A three from Santiago with ten seconds left cut the deficit to 14 at the half. The Running Eagles were able to string together offensive runs starting in the third quarter as the defensive effort improved with every quarter. 

The Running Eagles outscored the Bears 19-10 in the third quarter, but still trailed by five, 48-43 heading to the final quarter. Life U had its best defensive effort of the game in the fourth quarter, limiting Truett McConnell to just eight points and causing eight turnovers. Down the stretch, Truett McConnell opened the fourth with a three, however Life U answered with an 8-0 run to take the lead 52-51 with 6:04 on the clock. Truett answered with a three to retake the lead, however the Running Eagles closed out the final minutes on an 8-2 run to earn the win at home.

Truett McConnell finished 21-48 from the floor (43.8%) and 9-25 (36%) from behind the arc. The Bears started the first quarter 5-9 from three, but finished 4-16 the remainder of the game. The Bears struggled at the free-throw line shooting 5-14 (35.7%), but tallied 22 points in the paint with 29 bench points. Truett McConnell picked up five steals and 28 rebounds with 13 assists, however they also finished the game with 23 turnovers.

Life U was 21-53 (39.6%) from the floor and 6-25 (24%) from behind the arc. The Running Eagles won the game at the free-throw line finishing 12-17 (70.6%) with 28 points in the paint. Life U totaled 10 steals in the game with four blocks and 35 rebounds. They added 15 assists with just 16 turnovers.

Rachel Wilson led the Running Eagles offensively with 18 points, seven rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. Tanit Calsapeu also finished in double figures with 11 points on five rebounds and a pair of assists. Olivia Delk added ten points with a team-high four steals and four rebounds with a block. Lenise Santiago finished with nine points and a team-high five assists.

The women's basketball team will take a short break and return to action on Monday, January 3, as they pick up Mid-South Conference action and host the University of Tennessee Southern in the Eagles' Nest at 6 PM.