Women's Basketball Drops Close Contest Against Johnson

ATHENS, Tenn.- The women's basketball team played their first home Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) game of the 2024-25 season on Wednesday. The team battled the Johnson University Lady Royals in a close game but fell 68-65 to the conference visitors.

TWU started the game battling through Johnson's early momentum. Jacelyn Stone kept the Bulldogs in contention with a layup, while Jalaya Lindsey's defensive rebounds and Ella Crowder's block highlighted TWU's defensive efforts. By the end of the quarter, TWU trailed narrowly, 16-14.

TWU picked up the pace in the second quarter. Stone and Lindsey combined for several critical plays, including fast-break layups and a strong defensive rebound from Anna Crowder. Lindsey sank a three-pointer assisted by Abbey Barr, giving TWU a 22-21 advantage, a lead they held on to for the remainder of the half. By halftime, TWU's defense had limited Johnson's scoring, bringing the score to 27-25 in favor of the Lady Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs came alive offensively in the third quarter. Lindsey led the charge with a layup and a three-pointer, while Jaci Powell, E. Crowder, and A. Crowder added three-pointers that helped the team take their largest lead of the game of 15, a score of 47-32. Stone's aggressive drives to the basket and E. Crowder's perimeter shooting gave TWU a 51-42 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Johnson mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter, but TWU stayed resilient. Lindsey and Stone added key layups to keep the Bulldogs in the fight. In the final minute, A. Crowder drilled a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 65. However, a late three-pointer from Johnson sealed the game, as TWU's final shots narrowly missed the mark.

A. Crowder led the offense with 17 points while Stone and Lindsey both added 16 points.

The schedule keeps the Lady Bulldogs (2-3, 1-2 AAC) at home for their next game against Montreat College on Saturday. The AAC game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m.