Women’s Basketball falls at No. 5 Carroll

HELENA, Mont. (January 1, 2024) – The Milligan University women's basketball team dropped a nonconference matchup at No. 5 Carroll 91-68 on New Year's Day.

The Buffs conclude their Montana trip with a win over No. 16 Providence and a defeat against the fifth-ranked Fighting Saints. Milligan moves to 10-4 on the season while Carroll rises to 9-3.

The contest featured three ties and four lead changes, all in the first quarter. Madi Runnels gave the Buffs a 9-8 edge with a three-pointer four minutes into the game. Kenzie Campbell's free throws put Milligan ahead 14-12 with four minutes to play in the period before Carroll came back to take the lead for good.

The Saints led 26-20 at the end of the first quarter and built a 47-29 lead heading into halftime.

Milligan outscored Carroll 25-18 in the third quarter and trailed 65-54 heading into the fourth quarter but the Buffs were never able to bring the margin back within single-digits in the second half. The Saints opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run to secure the nonconference win.

Lauren Longmire paced the Buffs with 18 points and three assists. Semaj Clark added 17 points. McKenna Myers, Runnels and Campbell each had six points.

The Buffs drained 11 threes at 47.8 percent but Carroll shot 55.6 percent from the field for the game and won the rebounding and turnover battles.

The Buffs return to league play on Jan. 6 at Tennessee Wesleyan.