NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U, 61; Blue Mountain University, 57
Records: Life U, 14-9 (8-5 SSAC); Blue Mountain University, 10-10 (5-7 SSAC)
BLUE MOUNTAIN, Miss. — Life U showed poise and toughness on the road Thursday night, holding off a late push to defeat Blue Mountain Christian 61–57 in Blue Mountain, Mississippi.
The Running Eagles came out firing, opening the game with confidence and efficiency to take a 20–18 lead after the first quarter. Life U's defense tightened in the second period, helping the visitors try to create separation despite a brief scoring lull. Both teams entered the half at 29 apiece, as the Toppers did not stop fighting.
Momentum swung back-and-forth in the third quarter as both teams traded baskets and defensive stops. Blue Mountain Christian kept the pressure on by hitting over 50% of its shot attempts during the period. The Running Eagles tried responding, but the Toppers ended the period with the lead heading into the final frame.
The fourth quarter turned into a grind, with every possession mattering. A three-pointer by Khloe Vaughn with 6:55 left on the clock gave the Running Eagles the lead back, but Blue Mountain Christian cut into the lead late. After going back-and-forth, bucket-for-bucket late in the game clock, Life U answered with key defensive stops and clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the four-point road victory.
Kenya Robinson led the way with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 24 points and eight rebounds while attacking the basket relentlessly. Khloe Vaughn added 8 points and three rebounds, providing consistent scoring throughout the night. Myori Pruitt chipped in 12 points and four rebounds, while Emily Perez came off the bench to knock down three three-pointers and finish with 11 points.
Life U shot 40 percent from the field and knocked down seven three-pointers, using balanced scoring and strong rebounding to overcome Blue Mountain Christian's late surge. The Running Eagles also capitalized at the free-throw line in critical moments, converting 10-of-13 attempts.
With the win, Life U improved to 14–9 overall and 8–5 in conference play, continuing to build momentum as the season enters its final stretch.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
-- Rebounds: Life U – 28, Blue Mountain University – 25
-- 3PT%: Life U – 50%, Blue Mountain University – 17.6%
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
-- Kenya Robinson: 24 points, 8 rebounds,
-- Myori Pruitt: 12 points, 6 steals
-- Aniyah Offutt: 6 points, 6 steals
UP NEXT:
-- Life U is back on the road for a conference road match up against the University of Tennessee Southern on Saturday, February 7th at 1 pm.
