Women’s Basketball stifles Montreat in AAC quarterfinal

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (February 29, 2024) – The Milligan University women's basketball team defeated Montreat 61-46 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Tournament quarterfinals at the MeadowView Marriott on Friday evening.

Milligan rises to 23-6 on the season while Montreat concludes the year 16-13.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first quarter as Montreat was the first team to break 10 points with under two minutes left in the period. Jaycie Jenkins scored the final two baskets of the quarter to give the Buffs a 13-10 edge after 10 minutes of play.

Milligan took control of the game in the second quarter as the Buffs held Montreat to four points 2-of-14 shooting in the period. Semaj Clark canned a jumper and a three on consecutive possessions to push Milligan's lead to 20-10 four minutes into the second quarter and the Buffs led 25-14 at the half.

Montreat worked back within five (31-26) with three minutes left in the third. McKenna Myers made two foul shots and Clark drained a three to push the lead back to double digits. Halie Padgett scored the final basket of the quarter to give the Buffs a 38-27 edge going into the fourth.

Jenkins opened the quarter with a three. Her three-point play with 5:19 left grew Milligan's lead to 51-33. The Buffs outscored the Cavaliers 23-19 in the fourth to secure the 61-46 win.

Jenkins finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Clark had 17 points and three rebounds. Padgett posted nine points and seven rebounds. Madi Runnels grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Buffs held Montreat to 30.6 percent from the field, 15.8 percent from deep and only eight trips to the foul line.

Milligan held a 53-26 rebounding edge and had 15 assists on 24 made baskets

Milligan advances to the AAC semifinals tomorrow evening. The Buffs will take on (RV) Reinhardt at 8:00 p.m. at the MeadowView Marriott.