Buffs battle to 74-60 victory over KCU

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (January 17th, 2023) - The Milligan University women's basketball utilized a strong second-quarter performance to defeat Kentucky Christian University 74-60 on Tuesday night.

Milligan improves its record to 14-4 on the year and 12-2 in AAC (Appalachian Athletic Conference) play. They have won five of their last six, and record their seventh double-digit victory. Kentucky Christian drops to 10-8 overall and 7-7 in AAC action.

A slow start to the game was ended by the Knights when Jada Higgins utilized a jumper to score the opening basket. The Buffs kept it close all quarter long as their largest deficit was only six points. Milligan closed the first period with a 6-2 run by way of baskets from Semaj Clark and Kristy Galea. KCU held a 12-10 lead at the end of the first.

The second period belonged solely to the Buffs as they outscored the Knights 21-8. A 10-1 spurt within the opening three minutes of the quarter was used to gain a lead that would be held for the remainder of the game.

KCU tried to battle back in the third but was unable to break down Milligan. KCU was outscored 23-19, resulting in a 16-point lead for the Buffaloes.

The Knights showed they still had some fight left as they cut their deficit to single digits with 6:28 remaining in the game. The comeback effort was short-lived however, as the Buffs were able to hold their lead and walk away victorious, 74-60.

11 different players recorded a basket for Milligan, with four reaching double-digits. Lauren Longmire led the way as she recorded a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Stacia Wilson tallied 12 points, Clark totaled 14, and Galea finished with 10.The Buffs outscored the Knights 31-9 in bench points.

Milligan's three-game home stand comes to an end on Thursday night as they take on Point. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.