PIPPA PASSES, Ky. --- Senior psychology
Camryn Preston poured in a career-high 24 points on Friday afternoon, helping guide the Eagles (19-9, 14-2 CCS) to their second National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Mideast Region Title in three years, defeating Oakland City University (22-9, 14-2 RSC) 81-78.
Asbury was led in scoring by Preston's 24 points on 9-15 from the field. The Harrodsburg, Ky., native added six rebounds and two blocks on the career-night helping aid the Eagles to their championship.
Emily Sizemore and
Haleigh Releford followed Preston scoring 13 and 12 respectively. Sizemore added four assists and two steals facilitating the offense, while Releford brought in five boards and dished three assists.
Ma'Kiya West added 10 points on 5-9 shooting from the field and seven assists, while
Morgan Flannery led the defensive attack with three steals and dishing five assists.
Liz Boyd and
Juleigh Anne Tucker each added six points off the bench.
Asbury held a significant advantage in free throw shooting, shooting 21 free throws on the night and making 15 at a 71% rate. OCU shot just nine, making seven at a 78% rate.
The Mighty Oaks led AU 41-36 going into half time. Asbury responded in the third winning the frame 23-15 and taking a three point lead into the fourth. OCU and AU were even through the fourth, Asbury holding on for a 81-78 win.
Oakland City was led in scoring by Emilee Hope's 26 points on 9-15 shooting and 8-12 from beyond distance. Hope added seven rebounds and two steals for the Mighty Oaks. Cortney Dove added 19 points and 8-8 from the field off the bench. Rhylan Kalb grabbed down a game-high 12 rebounds.
OCU out-rebounded AU 50-27. OCU grabbing 19 ORB and AU eight.
AU finished 29-62 (47%) from the field while Oakland City shot 30-66 (46%). AU hit on eight three-pointers tonight, OCU hitting on 11.
Asbury committed 21 turnovers on 14 Oakland City steals, OCU committed 28 turnovers on 13 steals for AU. Asbury converted the turnovers into 17, OCU making it into 15.
Asbury scored 19 bench points, while OCU put up 34. The Eagles poured in 37 points in the paint, the Mighty Oaks 34.
AU improves to 19-9 on the year, their fifth season in six of 19 wins or more (2020-2021 COVID shortened schedule).
"This was a tremendous effort from the ladies. They never got shook early, because we didn't play well at all in the first half, but we made a few adjustments at halftime and they executed them to perfection. I'm so proud of them because Oakland City is a great team with a great coach, so any time you pick up a win against them, that's huge. We're very thankful for blessing to continue our season."
Chad Mayes | Head Women's Basketball Coach
Asbury will advance to the NCCAA National Tournament in Point Lookout, MO., on March 19-22.
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Camryn Preston | 24 PTS (9-15 FG), 6 REB, 2 BLK
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Emily Sizemore | 13 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
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Haleigh Releford | 12 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST
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Ma'Kiya West | 11 PTS (5-9 FG), 7 AST
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Morgan Flannery | 5 AST, 3 STL
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