NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Johnson 69, Life U 84

Records: Johnson, 8-6; Life U, 11-2

MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life U women's basketball team started off strong in the first quarter to come away victorious, this time in 84-69 fashion over Johnson University (Tenn.) on Saturday afternoon in the Eagles' Nest.

In the Running Eagle's fourth straight win, graduate student Darryn Zeigler came off the bench to lead Life U with a career-best 20 points and finished 6-of-10 from the arc helping create enough space for the Running Eagles to secure the win. 

WIN ALERT🚨🚨🚨

Your @lifeuwbb takes down Johnson University to go into the holiday break 84-69 👀 pic.twitter.com/ooegEpc8Gx

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) December 16, 2023

The Running Eagles came out hot, going on a 13-0 run to start the game, Sara Viti drained two three-pointers in the quarter giving Life U a 17-10 lead going into the second quarter. 

Maikya Simmons added eight rebounds and seven assists to her 16 points. It was a balanced scoring attack overall for Life U, with five players scoring at least eight points.

Guard Maeisha Teasley was strong offensively, putting up 12 points and adding four steals in the win. Junior guard Brionna Sims steady as usual, delivering eight points to go with ten boards. 

The Running Eagles were 11-of-28 from deep on Saturday, led by Zeigler's six.

The Royals attempted to come back during the third quarter only trailing by nine before the Running Eagles found their offensive footing with a 45-point second half.

Up next, the Running Eagles will have a two-week break but will return home to take on SSAC opponent Thomas University Saturday, Dec. 30th at noon in the Eagles' Nest.

TURNING POINT:

- Zeigler's six three-pointers gave Life U helped keep the Royals behind the entire game.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Zeigler tallied a career-best 20 points.

- Simmons added 16 points to go with eight rebounds on 6-of-10 shooting and 4-of-6 at the foul line.

- Teasley added 12 points in 15 minutes.