Women's Basketball Falls In Conference Battle To Asbury

MONTGOMERY, Ala.- Returning to action in Roland Arena for the second of their three conference matchups this week, Huntingdon Women's Basketball was defeated by the Eagles of Asbury University 70-64. 

First Quarter

In a game that featured several ties and lead changes, the first quarter set the tone, as Asbury outscored te Hawks 16-13 through the first 10 minutes. Huntingdon captured the first lead of the game, seeing baskets fall from the likes of Kennedi McCray, Kiya Crayton, and Charity Shaw en route to a 6-2 advantage by the 4:57 mark. Crayton and Ashanti Thomas each scored again to maintain the lead momentarily, but ultimately the Eagles grabbed onto a three point lead by the 1:31 mark and carried it into the second quarter.

Second Quarter

Despite a relentless attack from the Hawks on both ends of the floor, Huntingdon still faced a 35-30 deficit entering the halftime break. Both sides shot at the same relative efficiency, as the Eagles connected on 37.5% of their tries while the Hawks hit on 35%, lending itself to the theme of the quarter. Dalyce Sanders, Thomas, and Crayton each scored in the early parts of the quarter as Huntingdon kept pace, making way for Makayla Ford's back-to-back three pointers that knotted things up at 28 by the 2:29 mark. Nonetheless, Asbury responded with a 7-2 run to keep control heading into the second half. 

Third Quarter

Asbury hit their stride in the third quarter, limiting Huntingdon to 15 points while scoring 23 of their own to take a 58-45 lead into the final quarter of play. The Hawks were cold from the field, only connecting on 26% of their tries while the Eagles connected on nearly 50% of theirs on the other end to widen the gap. 

Fourth Quarter

Not done fighting, Huntingdon found a second wind in the final quarter of play, outscoring the Eagles 19-12 to try and muster a late comeback. Led by an upperclassmen attack of Charity Shaw, Kennedi McCray, Makayla Ford, and Jayla Carter, the Hawks managed to cut the lead from as much as 13 in the quarter to five with one minute remaining. Huntingdon had their opportunities, but steady free throw shooting from Asbury allowed for them to walk away with the win. 

The Hawks will look to bounce back tomorrow, February 7th as they host Piedmont University for Senior Day. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM CT.