NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Life U 68, UT Southern 61

Records: Life U, 8-2 (4-1 SSAC); UT Southern, 2-5 (1-3 SSAC)

PULASKI, Tenn. - The Life U women's basketball team put up a fight Thursday night with a close 68-61 victory over UT Southern.

The Running Eagles led for most of the game but battled a tough back and forth game with the highest lead only being ten points with 3:58 left in the third quarter. The Firehawks battled back and cut their deficit by leading by one midway through the fourth quarter. 

However, Life U finished the game strong to earn the conference win over UT Southern.
 

🔥🔥🔥

Your @lifeuwbb team is on fire! The Running Eagles take down UT Southern in @SSACsports play 68-61! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/g8x2bhqpV9

— Life Running Eagles (@LifeUAthletics) December 8, 2023

Senior guard Maikya Simmons led the Running Eagles, with 19 points while adding eleven rebounds. Junior Sara Viti also led a hot three-point shooting attack. Viti finished with nine of the guard's 12 points coming from behind the arc.

Joining the group in double figures was Andrea Martin Ruiz, who poured in ten points and nine rebounds. 

Brionna Sims added eight points and Maeisha Teasley added seven points and three rebounds. 

Life U delivered strong team performances from the free throw line (14-of-20) and the defensive side with 42 rebounds. 

Up next, the Running Eagles will come back home to take on Voorhees College (S.C.) on Saturday, December 9th at 2 PM. 

TURNING POINT:

- Life U's 23-19 scoring run in the first quarter was all it needed to take the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

- Simmons continued her strong play with 19 points to go with eleven rebounds. She has now scored in double figures every game this season.