MARIETTA, Ga. — The Life University women's basketball team claimed a hard-fought 48-40 victory over Thomas on Saturday afternoon at the Eagles' Nest in the SSAC Game of the Week.
From the opening tip, Life U showcased defensive intensity, limiting the Night Hawks to just 25.9% shooting from the field and an abysmal 7.7% from three-point range. Despite the Running Eagles' own offensive struggles — shooting only 26.6% from the field and failing to convert on any of their 11 three-point attempts — the Running Eagles found ways to win through hustle, rebounding dominance, and timely defensive stops.
The first half saw both teams exchange blows, with Life U heading into halftime trailing slightly at 30-20. Despite their own offensive struggles, coming out of the break, the Running Eagles allowed just 10 total points over the third and fourth quarters combined as defensive intensity helped the Running Eagles erase the deficit and seize control late in the contest.
Key to Life U's success was their relentlessness on the boards. The Running Eagles grabbed 54 rebounds, including a staggering 25 on the offensive glass, which they converted into 17 second-chance points. Kenya Robinson anchored this effort, leading the team with 10 points and 9 rebounds while shooting an efficient 5-for-9 from the field.
Aniyah Offutt added a strong performance, tallying 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals, while Dianis Hurtado chipped in 8 points, 4 rebounds. Off the bench, Kaci Scott provided a spark, grabbing 7 rebounds, scoring 4 points.
Despite Thomas's efforts, led by Jasmyn Studamire's double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Destiny Hill's 8 points and 8 boards, the Night Hawks were unable to overcome their shooting woes. They committed 18 turnovers, which Life U turned into 14 points.
The Running Eagles also won the whistle battle, heading to the free-throw line 29 times. Though they struggled to capitalize, converting only 48.3% of those attempts, their ability to get to the line proved critical in slowing the game down and disrupting Thomas's rhythm.
Outscoring the Night Hawks 28-10 in the second half, the Running Eagles improve to 11-9 overall and 6-3 in SSAC play.
Up next, Life U will hit the road as they look to build momentum in a non-conference contest against Spartanburg-Methodist this upcoming Wednesday on the road.
