NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 55; Thomas University (Ga.), 40
Records: Life U, 16-10 (9-6 SSAC); Thomas University (Ga.), 13-15 (7-9)
MARRIETA, Ga. — The Life University women's basketball team put together a dominant defensive performance Wednesday evening, defeating Thomas University 55-40 at the Eagles' Nest to improve to 16-10 overall and 9-6 in conference play.
From the opening tip, Life U set the tone. The Running Eagles shot 53 percent in the first quarter and raced out to a 19-13 lead behind strong interior play and crisp ball movement. Myori Pruitt sparked the early surge with eight first-quarter points, including a fast-break layup and a three-pointer, while Kaden McCorvey and Vika Afungia controlled the paint.
The game turned decisively in the second quarter. Life U's defense completely shut down Thomas, holding the Night Hawks scoreless for the entire 10-minute stretch. Thomas went 0-for-13 from the field in the period as the Running Eagles forced tough shots and cleaned up the glass. On the other end, Aniyah Offutt attacked downhill and converted through contact, helping Life U build a 31-13 half time advantage.
Offutt delivered a game-high 15 points to go along with five assists and three steals, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Khloe Vaughn added 13 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, while Pruitt finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a well-rounded effort. McCorvey anchored the interior with eight points and a team-high 10 rebounds as Life U out rebounded Thomas 43-28 and outscored them 28-16 in the paint.
Thomas showed fight in the third quarter, outscoring Life U 16-13 behind improved free-throw shooting and perimeter looks, trimming the deficit to 44-29 heading into the final period. However, the Running Eagles maintained control throughout the fourth, matching Thomas point-for-point and never allowing the lead to dip below double digits.
Life U forced 20 turnovers and converted them into 15 points, showcasing relentless defensive pressure. The Running Eagles led by as many as 20 in the third quarter and never trailed in the contest.
With the win, Life U continues to build momentum as the regular season winds down, leaning on its defensive identity and balanced scoring attack to secure another important conference victory at home.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Rebounds: Life U – 43, Thomas University (Ga.) – 28
-- Steals: Life U – 10, Thomas University (Ga.) – 3
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Aniyah Offutt: 15 points, 5 assists, 3 steals
-- Myori Pruitt: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists
-- Kaden McCorvey: 8 points, 10 rebounds
UP NEXT:
-- Life U is back at home in the Eagles' Nest for its final regular season match up against conference foe Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) on Saturday, February 21st at 12 pm.
