Buffs dominate on the road in AAC conference opener

MONTREAT, N.C. (November 6, 2021) — Jaycie Jenkins became the seventh player in program history to score 36 points in a game as the Milligan University women's basketball team notched its first win of the season Saturday afternoon with an 82-54 win in the Appalachian Athletic Conference opener at Montreat.

The Buffs move to 1-3 overall (1-0 AAC) while Montreat falls to 1-2 (0-1 AAC).

After falling behind 6-0 to begin the game, the Buffs knocked down three three-pointers in a row to retake the lead 9-6. Milligan led by as many as nine in the second quarter as they took a 31-23 lead into the half.

Milligan finished 6-15 from behind the arc in addition to eight different Buffs getting into the scoring column in the first half. Milligan out-rebounded Montreat 21-18 through the first two quarters.

The Buffs darted out to a 6-0 run to start the second half behind two quick triples from Jenkins. Jenkins shot 12-of-18 from the field and 8-of-10 from the free throw line on her way to 36 points. She also grabbed 11 rebounds.

Montreat cut the deficit to single digits with just under a minute to go in the third quarter. However the Buffs shot 64% from the floor in the quarter and outscored Montreat 29-13 over the final 10 minutes of play.

Kayla Romines connected on three of six three-point attempts for nine points in addition to Kristy Galea chipping in 11.

Halie Padgett and Stacia Wilson both finished with six rebounds each as the Buffs finished with 43 for the game in comparison to 33 for the Cavaliers.

Milligan will return to action Tuesday evening for the home opener against Johnson (Tenn.) at 5:30 p.m.