NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 57; Talladega (AL.), 46
Records: Life U, 15-10 (8-6 SSAC); Talladega (AL.), 14-6 (7-5)
MARIETTA, Ga. — Life University closed strong Wednesday night inside the Eagles' Nest, using a dominant fourth quarter to pull away from Talladega for a 57-46 non- conference victory.
The Running Eagles improved to 15-10 overall, holding Talladega (14-6, 7-5) to just six points in the final period to secure the win.
After leading 16-10 at the end of the first quarter, Life U battled through a tightly contested first half. Talladega edged the second quarter 18-17, trimming the deficit to 33-28 at halftime. The third quarter remained a defensive struggle, with Talladega outscoring Life U 12-8 to cut the margin to just one, 41-40, entering the final 10 minutes. That's when the Running Eagles took control.
The Running Eagles outscored Talladega 16-6 in the fourth quarter, locking down defensively and dominating the glass. Talladega shot just 1-of-14 (7.1%) in the final frame as Life U turned stops into key opportunities down the stretch.
Kenya Robinson led the way with a monster performance, finishing with 21 points and 16 rebounds, including seven offensive boards. Robinson went 7-of-13 from the field and 7-of-10 from the free throw line, anchoring Life U inside on both ends of the floor.
Khloe Vaughn added 12 points, knocking down two three-pointers, while Myori Pruitt played all 40 minutes and stuffed the stat sheet with eight points and nine assists. Pruitt also added three rebounds and helped orchestrate Life U's offense during critical stretches.
Vika Afungia contributed seven points and six rebounds, and Zayjah Knight chipped in five points off the bench.
Life U controlled the rebounding battle 54-44 and capitalized on second-chance opportunities, finishing with 19 second-chance points. The Running Eagles also turned Talladega's mistakes into 14 points off turnovers.
While neither team shot the ball particularly well, Life U made the plays that mattered most down the stretch. The Running Eagles finished 20-of-65 (30.8%) from the field and 15-of-23 (65.2%) from the free throw line, attacking the paint for 30 points inside.
Talladega was led by Teanna Watts with 11 points and Ceara Myers with six points and 13 rebounds, but the visitors struggled offensively throughout, shooting 27.9% from the field and just 8-of-18 from the free throw line.
With the game tied only once and no lead changes, Life U maintained control throughout the night, pushing its largest lead to 13 in the final minute.
The Running Eagles will look to build on the momentum as conference play continues, carrying the confidence of a gritty defensive effort and a strong closing quarter into their next match up.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Rebounds: Life U – 54, Talladega (AL.) – 44
-- Points in Paint: Life U – 30, Talladega (AL.) – 20
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Kenya Robinson: 21 points, 16 rebounds
-- Myori Pruitt: 8 points, 9 assists
-- Khloe Vaughn: 12 points, 2 rebounds
UP NEXT:
-- Life U is back at home in the Eagles' Nest for a conference contest against the Night Hawks of Thomas University (Ga.) on Thursday, February 19th at 5:30 pm.
