Buffs use strong second half performance to win 85-66.

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (February 14, 2023)- The Milligan University women's basketball team defeated Johnson in an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) matchup in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse Tuesday evening.  

Milligan moves its record to 19-8 on the year and moves to 17-6 in Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) play. Johnson (TN) slides to 9-17 overall and 7-16 in AAC games. The Buffs remain in sole possession of third place in the conference standings.  

After Johnson opened up an early 8-4 lead, the Buffs closed the quarter on a 15-2 spurt to lead 19-10 after the first quarter. Milligan held Johnson to three-of-20 shooting in the opening frame. Kaylee Hendrickson and Kayla Romines drained threes in the early moments of the second quarter as the Buffs' edge swelled to 15 points (30-15) with five minutes to play in the half. Johnson closed the half on a 10-3 run of its own to cut the margin to 33-25 at the break. 

Both teams shot over 50 percent in the quarter. Eight players scored for Milligan as the Buffs outscored Johnson 25-23 in the frame to carry a 58-48 lead into the fourth. 

In the fourth quarter, big threes by Hendrickson, Romines, Kristy Galea, and Jaycie Jenkins helped the Buffs run away with 85-66 victory.  

Three players reached double-figures for Milligan. Hendrickson made four-of-six threes and led the team with 18 points. Jenkins scored 17 points and Kayla Romines added 14 with four assists.  

The Buffs shot 49.3 percent from the field, made 11 threes at 37.9 percent, and outscored the Royals 42-8 in bench points. 

Milligan hosts (RV) Bryan in the Buffs' last regular season game this Saturday in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 p.m.