NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 74, Wesleyan College 46
Records: Life U, 3-3 (1-0 SSAC); Wesleyan College, 2-5 (0-2 SSAC)
MACON, Ga. – The Life University women's basketball team delivered a dominant performance on the road Saturday afternoon, defeating Wesleyan College (Ga.) 74-46.
The Running Eagles used a strong second-half performance to pull away from the Wolves, outscoring Wesleyan 43-23 over the final two quarters to secure their first conference victory on the season.
Life U opened the contest with a 14-12 advantage after the first quarter behind an impressive start from Arianna Harper, who scored 10 points in the opening period. Wesleyan responded early in the second quarter, putting together a run to take an 18-14 lead with 8:30 remaining in the half.
The Running Eagles answered with a strong stretch of their own, regaining control behind contributions from Aniyah Offutt and Tyasia Williams. Offutt knocked down a three-pointer to put Life U back in front, while Williams added back-to-back baskets in the paint to extend the advantage. Harper continued to make an impact at the free-throw line, and Natalie Derla connected from beyond the arc late in the quarter to help Life U take a 31-23 lead into halftime.
Life U came out of the break firing on all cylinders, putting together its best offensive quarter of the afternoon. The Running Eagles scored 26 points in the third quarter, knocking down six three-pointers while shooting 55.6 percent from the field.
Harper and Offutt each connected from long range early in the period, while Derla provided a major spark off the bench. Derla poured in 11 points in the third quarter alone, including three three-pointers, helping Life U build a commanding 57-32 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Running Eagles maintained control throughout the fourth quarter, adding another 17 points while continuing to get contributions throughout the lineup. Life U eventually stretched its lead to as many as 36 points before closing out the 74-46 road victory.
Life U's defensive effort was equally impressive, forcing 24 Wesleyan turnovers and converting those opportunities into 36 points. The Running Eagles also recorded 15 steals while holding the Wolves to 34.8 percent shooting from the field.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-
Field Goal Percentage: Life U – 43.3%, Wesleyan – 34.8%
-
Three-Point Percentage: Life U – 39.1%, Wesleyan – 25.0%
-
Rebounds: Life U – 36, Wesleyan – 27
-
Points in the Paint: Life U – 30, Wesleyan – 18
-
Points off Turnovers: Life U – 36, Wesleyan – 12
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
Up Next:
- The Running Eagles will be back at home for a conference matchup against The Fighting Tigers of Andrew College on Thursday, November 19th at 5:30 PM.
