Women’s Basketball dealt first AAC defeat at KCU

GRAYSON, Ky. (November 19, 2022) – The Milligan University women's basketball team trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half and rallied all the way back to tie the game with three minutes remaining but Kentucky Christian pulled out an 81-77 victory on Saturday afternoon.

The loss ends Milligan's four-game winning streak and puts the Buffs' record at 4-3 and 2-1 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. KCU rises to 5-1, 4-1 AAC.

Lauren Longmire re-set her career high with 34 points on a 11-of-15 shooting as she went three-of-four from deep and nine-of-11 from the free throw line. Stacia Wilson set career highs in points and rebounds on her way to her first collegiate double-double with 15 points and 12 boards. Kristy Galea had 13 points and Semaj Clark chipped in with 10 as four Buffs scored in double-figures on the day.

KCU controlled the first half as the Knights led 20-13 after the first quarter and stretched their edge to 38-22 with three minutes to go in the half and carried a 12-point lead (43-31) into the halftime break.

The Knights enjoyed a 56-44 lead with 3:03 to play in the third quarter before Madi Runnels drained a three, Longmire converted a three-point play and three Milligan free throws contributed to a 9-0 run to close the quarter. KCU led 56-53 going into the fourth.

Galea opened the fourth quarter with a transition layup and a three-pointer to tie the game at 58 a minute into the final period. KCU quickly rebuilt a five-point lead (66-61) with six minutes to play before Milligan battled back to tie the game at 70 and 72 in the final 3:30. A clutch KCU three-pointer with 2:18 remaining in regulation put the hosts ahead for good. Each time the Buffs scored, KCU responded with a made basket or good free throws to seal the game.

Milligan outrebounded KCU 33-21 and shot 46.6 percent from the field, but KCU shot 56.3 percent from the floor and made eight threes at 53.3 percent.

Milligan hosts Tennessee Wesleyan in an AAC matchup on Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m.