NEED TO KNOW:

Score: Life U 60, Thomas 72
Records: Life U 7–3 (2–1); Thomas 6–6 (2–1)

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Life University women's basketball team fell on the road Thursday evening, dropping a 72–60 SSAC matchup to Thomas inside the TU Gymnasium.

The game opened with both teams trading early baskets and as the Running Eagles kept the margin tight through the first quarter. Emily Perez and Aniyah Offutt provided much of the early offense, while the team forced five first-quarter steals to stay within reach. After 10 minutes, Life U trailed 21–16.

The second quarter proved to be the most even stretch of the night. Offutt fueled a mid-quarter push with eight points in the frame, and a jumper from Madison Carey helped keep the deficit manageable. Despite the momentum, Thomas maintained its edge, taking a 34–30 lead into halftime.

Coming out of the break, Life U continued to battle, but Thomas answered repeatedly behind interior scoring and timely perimeter shooting. Perez added seven points in the quarter and Kenya Robinson worked the glass, but the Nighthawks extended their lead to 53–45 heading into the fourth.

Thomas delivered its strongest surge in the final 10 minutes, using a 19-point quarter and a series of defensive stops to create separation. Life produced 15 points in the frame—including late baskets from Offutt and Marrissah Tate—but could not close the gap as the Nighthawks secured the 72–60 result.

Life U finished shooting 34.8% from the field with 26 points in the paint, 15 second-chance points, and 23 points off the bench. The Running Eagles forced 15 steals but were hindered by 24 turnovers. Thomas shot 46.8% from the floor, recorded 10 blocks, and placed four players in double figures.

Up next, the Running Eagles remain on the road facing ABAC in SSAC play.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:

Aniyah Offutt — 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Emily Perez — 13 points, 3 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists
Kenya Robinson — 6 points, 11 rebounds
Madison Carey — 6 points, 4 offensive rebounds
Marrissah Tate — 6 points (all in 4th), 1 rebound