Women's Basketball Finishes Season as AAC Tournament Runner-Up

KINGSPORT, Tenn.- The women's basketball battled in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Game (AAC) Tournament Championship game against No. 1 seed Milligan University. Unfortunately, the team fell in overtime 79-75.

Tennessee Wesleyan came out aggressive, setting the pace with strong defense and efficient scoring. Jacelyn Stone got the Lady Bulldogs rolling with an early layup off a defensive rebound by Anna Crowder. Moments later, Crowder nailed a three-pointer, assisted by Ella Crowder, to put Wesleyan up 5-2. TWU's defensive intensity forced early misses from Milligan, allowing them to extend the lead. Jalayah Lindsey hit a three-pointer off an assist from Stone, and Stone followed with another mid-range jumper to push the lead to 10-6. Tennessee Wesleyan kept Milligan off balance, with Powell and Crowder securing defensive rebounds to limit second-chance points. Stone continued her strong first quarter, hitting two free throws and adding another layup off a steal. Lindsey capped off the dominant opening period with a transition basket, giving Tennessee Wesleyan a commanding 20-11 lead after one quarter.

Milligan fought back in the second quarter, but the Lady Bulldogs maintained their edge. A three-pointer from Lindsey and inside baskets from Stone and Crowder kept Tennessee Wesleyan in front. The Bulldogs entered halftime leading 41-37, with strong rebounding and defensive stops keeping Milligan at bay.

Milligan started the third quarter by cutting into TWU's lead with quick transition baskets. However, Crowder and Powell responded with key buckets to maintain the advantage. The Bulldogs' defense stepped up again, holding Milligan to just 10 points in the quarter.

Despite struggling offensively, Tennessee Wesleyan entered the fourth quarter up 54-47. However, Milligan found their rhythm late, going on a 19-point surge in the fourth quarter to tie the game. With nine seconds remaining, Stone came through in the clutch, sinking a deep three-pointer to tie the game at 66-66 and force overtime.

In the extra period, Tennessee Wesleyan fought hard to regain control. Lindsey sank two free throws to put the Bulldogs ahead 68-66, but Milligan responded immediately with a layup. Stone hit another pair of free throws to make it 70-68, but a three-pointer from Milligan shifted the momentum. Trailing by three, three-pointers to tie the game did not fall for the Lady Bulldogs and Milligan held on for the 79-75 win.