Buffs fall to Cavaliers 60-55 in AAC conference quarterfinals

Kingsport, Tenn. (February 23, 2023) – Milligan University women's basketball came up short on Thursday night against Montreat 60-55 in the quarterfinal round of the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) tournament at the MeadowView Marriott on Thursday evening.

The Buffs conclude the season with a 19-10 record. The Cavaliers improve to 20-9 overall and advances to play second-seeded Point in tomorrow's semifinals.

Both defenses showed up to play to start the game as the first basket of the game did not come until the 7:06 mark of the first quarter. This basket gave Montreat the early lead. The Cavaliers extended upon this lead as they scored nine unanswered points to take  9-0 lead.

The first basket for Milligan came five and a half minutes into the game as Semaj Clark drained a three pointer. This gave the Buffs some momentum as they were able to cut their deficit to 9-7. At the end of the first quarter the Cavaliers held a 15-9 lead.

After Aebri Graham of Montreat made a deep three point shot, Montreat opened their lead to 20-11. Milligan hustled on both sides of the ball during the final five minutes of the half and cut the lead to 27-26.

Montreat looked to put away Milligan early in the third but could only take their lead to 32-26. With their backs against the wall, the Buffs fought back to take their first lead of the game by way of a Clark free throw. Heading into the final quarter of play, the Buffs held a slight 37-36 advantage.

The Cavaliers retook the lead thanks to a tough layup to start the fourth. Milligan did not break the Buffes went on an 8-0 capped off by a Jaycie Jenkins layup to take a 45-40 lead, their largest of the game.

With only two minutes left to play, it was all square at 54-54. The Cavaliers gained back a three-point lead after draining a triple. The Buffs then made one of two free throws to cut the lead back to 57-55, before calling timeout.

The Cavaliers made a three pointer with 14 seconds left to play. This late deficit proved too much for the Buffs as Cavs escaped with the upset victory.

Clark led the Buffs in scoring as she put up 17 points. Jenkins followed close behind as she tallied 13. Lauren Longmire snatched eight rebounds, the most of all players.

Milligan won the rebounding battle 44-38 and outscored Montreat's bench 41-12, but the Buffs shot a season-worst 2-of-21 from three in the defeat.