LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — The Life University women's basketball team picked up a hard-fought 65-61 road victory over Georgia Gwinnett College on Wednesday night at the Convocation Center, using a strong defensive effort and clutch plays down the stretch to secure the win.
The Running Eagles came out firing in the opening quarter, building a 22-13 advantage behind an efficient shooting performance. Life U connected on five three-pointers in the first 10 minutes, with Natalie Derla knocking down three from beyond the arc. Sa'mya Stevens and Jaela Reid also helped set the tone offensively as Life U established an early nine-point lead.
Georgia Gwinnett responded in the second quarter, outscoring the Running Eagles 18-11 to make it a two-point game at halftime. Life U maintained a 33-31 advantage heading into the break, but the momentum continued to shift throughout the third quarter.
Both teams traded baskets in the third, with the lead changing hands several times. Stevens helped keep Life U within striking distance, scoring six points in the period, while Reid added four. The Running Eagles entered the final quarter tied with Georgia Gwinnett at 50-50 after both teams scored 17 points in the third.
Georgia Gwinnett opened the fourth quarter with a three-pointer to take the lead, but Life U answered with a strong push. Derla's basket tied the game at 53, and Myori Pruitt followed with a layup to put the Running Eagles back in front, 55-53. Vika Afungia added another basket in the paint to extend the advantage to four.
The Grizzlies continued to battle, eventually reclaiming the lead and building a 59-57 advantage with under five minutes remaining. Life U stayed composed, however, and continued to fight for possessions on both ends of the floor.
With the game tied at 59-59 in the final minute, Georgia Gwinnett converted a free throw to move ahead, 60-59. Jaela Reid responded with a layup at the 44-second mark to give Life U a 61-60 lead. Pruitt added a free throw, and after a Georgia Gwinnett turnover, Aniyah Offutt finished a fast-break layup to give the Running Eagles a four-point cushion with eight seconds remaining.
Pruitt added another free throw in the closing seconds, helping Life U hold on for the 65-61 victory.
Stevens led the Running Eagles with 12 points, while Derla finished with 11 points and eight rebounds. Reid contributed nine points and six rebounds, and Offutt added seven points, four rebounds and two steals. Pruitt directed the offense with six assists to go along with six points and five rebounds.
Life U finished the night with 25 made field goals, including seven three-pointers, and converted 25 points off Georgia Gwinnett turnovers. The Running Eagles also forced 20 turnovers while committing just 13.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
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Rebounds: Life U 39, Georgia Gwinnett 38
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Points Off Turnovers: Life U 25, Georgia Gwinnett 5
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Second-Chance Points: Life U 11, Georgia Gwinnett 5
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Turnovers: Life U 13, Georgia Gwinnett 20
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
UP NEXT:
- The Running Eagles travel to Jacksonville, Al. for a match against D1 opponent Jacksonville State University on Friday November 6th, at 12 PM.
