Women's Basketball Drops First Game of 2025 Against Milligan

ATHENS, Tenn.- The first game in the 2025 year for the women's basketball team occurred on Tuesday. The team was able to keep the game against the Milligan University Lady Buffaloes close throughout the game but ultimately fell in the game 82-63.

Milligan came out strong, quickly taking a 5-0 lead before Jacelyn Stone got TWU on the board with a layup. Jalaya Lindsey drained a three-pointer, assisted by Jaci Powell, to close the gap to 7-5. However, Milligan capitalized on defensive rebounds and turnovers to build a 23-12 lead by the end of the quarter. Stone and Lindsey's efforts kept TWU within striking distance.

The Bulldogs found their rhythm in the second quarter, outscoring Milligan 21-17. Powell led the charge with back-to-back three-pointers, assisted by Stone, who finished with seven assists in the game. Lindsey added a layup off a turnover, while Anna Crowder contributed with a critical offensive rebound and putback. TWU closed the half on a high note, narrowing the deficit to 40-33. 

Milligan extended their lead in the third quarter, but TWU refused to back down. Powell and Lindsey combined for key baskets, with Stone facilitating the offense through sharp assists. Sierra Bates added valuable points in the paint to help TWU stay in the game. However, Milligan's consistent shooting widened the gap to 59-49 by the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, TWU continued to battle. Lindsey hit a three-pointer to open the third quarter, cutting the deficit to seven points as the score read 59-52. Powell, Crowder, Bates, Lindsey, and Stone all connected on shots in an attempt to cut into the deficit. Despite their efforts, Milligan did not let the Lady Bulldogs pull closer as the foes went on to take the conference game by a double-digit margin.

Powell led the offense with 16 points while Stone (12), Crowder (10), and Lindsey (10) also added double-digits in scoring.

A career milestone occurred in the game. Stone became the 26th player in program history to score 1,000 careers points with a free throw in the second quarter. 

Tennessee Wesleyan (6-6, 4-4 AAC) is set to return to James L. Robb Gymnasium for a conference game against Union Commonwealth University on Thursday. The game is set to begin at 4:00 p.m.