NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Life U 85, Truett-McConnell 56

Records: Life U, 10-2; Truett-McConnell, 3-10

CLEVELAND, Ga. - The Life U women's basketball team pulled away from Truett-McConnell University with a 85-56 victory on Thursday evening in Cleveland, Ga.

The Running Eagles took the lead for good in the beginning of the first quarter and never looked back, holding a double digit advantage most of the way.

Senior Maikya Simmons tallied 16 points to go with eight rebounds on 7-of-10 shooting. The Running Eagle was also able to add six steals and four assists. 

Simmons was not the only Running eagles in double figures, Brionna Simmons was able to put up 12 points and Sara Viti added ten. 

Life U was at 48% percent shooting for the game including a red-hot 10-of-15 (67%) in the first quarter.

Life U battled in the early going, leading 12-9 early in the contest. However, the Running Eagles continued to fight in the opening period to build a 23-16 lead heading to the second.

The game was in hand at halftime thanks to an offensive charge in the second quarter for Life U. The Running Eagles outscored the Bears 17-11 to go into halftime with a 40-27 advantage.

The second half brought more of the same as the Running Eagles continued to lengthen their lead and put up a game-high 29 points in the final period.

The win marks the team's tenth of the season, with seven of those wins coming by double digits.

Up next, the Running Eagles will continue their season Saturday, Dec. 16th at 2 p.m. against Johnson University - Tennessee.

TURNING POINT:

- Life U used a 22-12 run over the end of the first to build an insurmountable ten-point lead.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Simmons led all scorers with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting while also pulling in a team-best eight rebounds and six steals.

- Sims was second on the team with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting in just 20 minutes of action. 

- Deborah Powell helped the Running Eagles by grabbing seven boards and putting down four blocks.