Women's Basketball Win First AAC Game Against CIU

COLUMBIA, S.C.- The women's basketball team went on the road for an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) game Saturday. The team picked up a commanding 78-55 victory over the Columbia International University Lady Rams. This was the team's first AAC win of the young season.

TWU began the game with a strong defensive presence and sharp offensive execution. Jalayah Lindsey's layup got the Bulldogs on the board early, followed by a clutch three-pointer from Jacelyn Stone, giving TWU a 6-5 advantage. Anna Crowder contributed with a key layup, and Jaci Powell's three-pointer extended the lead to 11-9. Free throws by Aubrey Long helped TWU secure a narrow 17-15 edge heading into the second quarter.

The Bulldogs surged in the second quarter, outscoring CIU 26-21. Abbey Barr opened the scoring with a three-pointer, followed by a deep shot from Lindsey to push the lead to 25-15. Stone and Courtney Farr capitalized on turnovers with fast-break points, while Long and Crowder dominated the paint. TWU's defense forced CIU into difficult shots, allowing the Bulldogs to maintain a 43-36 lead at halftime.

TWU's defense took center stage in the third quarter, holding CIU to just nine points. Lindsey and Stone continued their offensive contributions with key baskets, and Powell's perimeter shooting kept the momentum firmly in TWU's favor. Crowder nailed a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead to 60-41. The Bulldogs entered the final quarter with an 18-point cushion.

TWU controlled the pace in the fourth quarter, securing their lead with efficient ball movement and strong defensive rebounding. Long's three-pointer and a layup from Grace Phillips sealed the deal, as TWU cruised to a 78-55 victory. Powell's late free throws and a buzzer-beating layup by Jordan McCollough capped off the team's stellar performance.

Powell paced the offense with 17 points while Lindsey added 12 points and Crowder had 11 points.

TWU (2-2, 1-1 AAC) will play their first home conference game of the seaso on Wednesday against Johnson University. The game is set to begin at 5:30 p.m.