Women's Basketball Uses Second Half Spark to Defeat Montreat

ATHENS, Tenn.- The women's basketball team used a strong fourth quarter to pick up an Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) win on Saturday. TWU defeated the Montreat College Lady Cavaliers 67-54 in James L. Robb Gymnasium. 

Anna Crowder put the first points on the board with a three-point jump shot. Jaci Powell and Jacelyn Stone converted layups to keep the team in front, making the score 7-5. Montreat went on to control the remainder of the first quarter though, taking a 15-12 lead into the second quarter.

Back-to-back Jalaya Lindsey layups made the score 17-16 three minutes into the second quarter. Montreat scored the next seven points to take a 24-16 lead. By halftime, the Lady Bulldogs had cut the opponents' lead down to four points, making the score 26-22.

Tennessee Wesleyan turned the tide in the third quarter, outscoring Montreat 21-14. Lindsey continued to dominate, scoring multiple layups and securing defensive boards. Powell contributed with sharp three-point shooting, sinking two crucial shots to ignite TWU's offense. Stone orchestrated the attack, delivering six assists and forcing turnovers that led to fast-break points. By the end of the quarter, TWU had seized a 43-40 lead.

TWU closed out the game emphatically in the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points to seal the win while only allowing Montreat to score 14 points for the second consecutive quarter. Lindsey and Stone led the charge, with Lindsey scoring consistently inside and Stone hitting clutch free throws. Crowder added key rebounds to limit Montreat's second-chance opportunities. The Lady Bulldogs' defense held Montreat to just 14 points in the final frame, securing the 67-54 victory.

Lindsey led with 19 points and had a career-high 11 rebounds (including nine offensive rebounds). Stone (15), Powell (12), and Crowder (11 points and 11 rebounds) were also in double figures.

Tennessee Wesleyan (3-3, 2-2 AAC) plays their final home game of the 2024 year on Tuesday when they host Brenau University. The conference game is set for 5:30 p.m.