Hawks Hang On In Victory Over Covenant

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Building off of their 10 point victory against Maryville a day ago, Huntingdon Women's Basketball pulled out a tough 53-50 win over the Scots of Covenant College in a defensive battle. 

First Quarter

Forcing seven turnovers through the first 10 minutes, the Hawks strided out to a 17-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. It was not a hot start for Huntingdon however, as Covenant flew out to a 8-2 lead by the 4:50 mark in the quarter. Makayla Ford hit a shot from deep on the ensuing possession, not only ending the Scots run, but sparking one for the Hawks, as Huntingdon outscored Covenant 12-0 in the final four minutes of the period to establish control early. 

Second Quarter

The second quarter not only served as the best offensive period for both teams, but also proved itself to be even between the two squads with each team scoring 15 points, maintaining the Hawks nine point lead headed into the halftime break. Huntingdon struck first in the quarter, seeing baskets from Ashanti Thomas and Dalyce Sanders to extend the lead to 21-8 by the 9:10 mark. Covenant followed with an 8-2 scoring run of their own to draw within seven, 21-14, nearing the 4 minute mark before cutting the deficit to as little as 25-20 with 1:15 to go. Five consecutive points from Dalyce Sanders combined with a layup by Deshauna Foote brought the Huntingdon lead to 32-23 at the break. 

Third Quarter

Covenant controlled both ends of the court in the third quarter to cut Huntingdon's lead to 38-37 entering the final quarter of play. The Hawks went cold from the field, hitting on just 17% of their shots from the field without converting from both the three point and free throw line to fuel the Scots comeback. Deshauna Foote, Charity Shaw, and Jillian Baine each finished the quarter with a steal to try and halt Covenant's attack, but the Huntingdon was on the defensive headed into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter

Building off of their momentum generated in the third quarter, the Scots snagged a 41-38 lead early in the fourth as they looked to complete their comeback effort. Charity Shaw cashed in on a free throw to cut into the lead before Makayla Ford converted on a clutch triple to bring the Hawks back in front, 42-41, with 6:57 to go. Coming down the stretch, Covenant managed to draw within as little as one point on multiple different occasions, but crucial shot-making from Ford, Foote, and Kennedi McCray combined with a stout defensive effort that limited Covenant to just 12% from beyond the arc allowed for Huntingdon to pull out the tight 53-50 win. 

The Hawks return to action in Roland Arena Tuesday, January 6th as they host Wesleyan College. Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM CT.