Women's Basketball Drops Road Finale to Milligan

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn.- The women's basketball team played their final on the road on Wednesday. The team had a tough time on the road against the Milligan University Buffaloes as they fell 87-66.

Tennessee Wesleyan struggled to find their rhythm early, with missed shots and turnovers allowing Milligan to jump out to a 6-0 lead. Jaci Powell provided defensive stops with key rebounds, while Jacelyn Stone got the Bulldogs on the board with a layup. However, Milligan's transition offense kept them ahead, and despite late baskets from Talley Lawson and Powell, Wesleyan trailed 16-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Milligan took full control in the second quarter, outscoring Tennessee Wesleyan 29-17. Despite an early three-pointer from Lawson and inside scoring from Anna Crowder, the Buffaloes went on a scoring run, extending their lead to double digits. Turnovers plagued the Bulldogs, allowing Milligan to convert easy fast-break points. By halftime, Tennessee Wesleyan found themselves in a deep 45-29 hole.

Tennessee Wesleyan responded in the third quarter with their best stretch of the game. The Bulldogs came out aggressive, with Stone scoring back-to-back baskets, followed by a three-pointer from Powell to cut the deficit to 10 points. A strong defensive effort from Jalaya Lindsey and Alexis Bates led to transition opportunities, allowing Wesleyan to outscore Milligan 24-18 in the period. Heading into the final quarter, the Bulldogs had trimmed the deficit to 63-53, putting themselves in striking distance.

Milligan regained momentum in the final quarter, going on an early 10-2 run that deflated Wesleyan's comeback hopes. Despite efforts from Powell and Stone to keep the Bulldogs in it, Milligan's efficient shooting and ability to control the boards kept them ahead. The Bulldogs managed just 13 points in the fourth, while Milligan pulled away with 24 points to secure the 87-66 victory.

Stone led the contest with a career-high 38 points.