NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 59, Xavier University (La.) 54
Records: Life U, 4-0; Xavier University (La.), 2-1
MARIETTA, Ga. - Life University women's basketball team squeaked by with a 59-54 win as they were back in the Eagles' Nest Friday night, taking on the visiting Golden Nuggets of Xavier University (La.). The Running Eagles start the season 4-0, which is the program's best start since 2019-20, where they started 5-0.
It was a rough start for both teams as neither could put the ball in the basket in the first period. The Golden Nuggets lead just 10-5 after shooting 28.6% from the field (4-14), while the Running Eagles shot 7.7% (1-13). During the second period, the Running Eagles found a subtle spark as they outscored the Golden Nuggets 17-13. A slightly more efficient shooting period had the Running Eagles down by one at the break, 23-22.
At the start of the third quarter, it was more of the same back-and-forth action between the teams. Both squads made half time adjustments as it was their best shooting quarter yet, but a 10-1 run during the last three minutes of the period gave Life U a 40-34 lead heading into the final period. Buckets from Kaden McCorvey and Aniyah Offutt helped the Running Eagles maintain a lead at the start of the fourth. However, the Golden Nuggets refused to go quietly, taking a one-point lead with 04:44 left to play in the contest. Clutch buckets from Madison Carey and Offutt helped Life U retake the lead with just over three minutes left.
Down the stretch the Running Eagles went 5-10 from the free throw line, but a layup from Kenya Robinson and a mid-range jumper from Carey helped Life U prevail with a 59-54 victory over the Golden Nuggets.
Up next, the Running Eagles will be back in the Eagles' Nest against Freed-Hardeman on November 15th at 3 pm for the final game of the Life U Classic.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Aniyah Offutt led the way with 15 points.
- Myori Pruitt dropped dimes finishing with nine assists.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Bench Points: Life 22, Xavier 17
- Life U out-assisted Xavier 20-7.
