NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Thomas 45, Life U 73

Records: Thomas, 3-11 (SSAC, 1-5); Life U, 12-2 (SSAC, 5-1)

MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life U women's basketball team came back from the holiday break strong with a 73-45 win on Saturday afternoon at the Eagles' Nest.

Playing their final game of 2023, the Running Eagles used a strong defensive third quarter to jump out to a large lead and never look back, ending the year on a high note. 

Once again, it was a balanced scoring attack from Life U, as ten different players found the scoring column. The group was led by junior Brionna Sims, who scored a team-high 14 points on 5-of-10 inside the arc while adding four assists and four rebounds. The Running Eagle was joined in double figures by Center Deborah Powell, who delivered 13 points with a team-best seven rebounds.

The team was also led by Maikya Simmons who put up 12 points and Darryn Zeigler who added eleven points. 

The Night Hawks led twice at the beginning of the game, before Life U slowly took control going on a 7-0 run helping the Running Eagles lead 16-11 going into the second quarter. 

Life U was able to push the lead to 32-20 in the second quarter giving them enough space to take control of the game. 

Leading by 12 going into the third quarter, the Running Eagles stepped up their defense, holding Thomas to just four points in the second quarter to lead 55-24.

During the fourth quarter, Thomas continued to battle back but Life U was able to hold them out eventually reaching a 32 point lead toward the end of the game, 

Up next, the Running Eagle are set to continue SSAC conference play, traveling to Loyola University New Orleans on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. est. 

TURNING POINT:

- Life U held the Night Hawks to just four points in the third quarter to build a 31-point lead and take control of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Sims delivered a breakout game, scoring 14 points on 5-of-10 from inside the arc.

- Powell totaled 13 points on 6-of-6 shooting while grabbing seven rebounds.