POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. --- The Asbury women's basketball team (15-15, 11-5 CCS) had a strong second-half comeback but came up short to Southwestern Christian (12-17, 8-14 SAC), 71-70 in the National Christian College Athletics Association (NCCAA) Tournament.
The Eagles struggled early, falling behind early as Southwestern Christian opened the game on a 28-11 run in the first quarter.
AU responded in the second quarter, tightening up defensively and outscoring Southwestern Christian 21-14.
The Eagles carried that momentum into the second half, shooting over 50 percent in the fourth quarter and steadily chipping away at the lead.
Trailing by double digits entering the final period, AU used a balanced offensive effort to make it a one-possession game late.
A strong fourth quarter, where the Eagles outscored Southwestern Christian 18-10, brought Asbury within a single point.
Anna Hellums and Juleigh Anne Tucker led the Eagles with 15 points apiece, with Tucker knocking down five three-pointers off the bench. Ma'Kiya West added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Morgan Flannery chipped in 10 points. Emily Sizemore controlled the glass with a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with nine points.
Asbury shot 37.3 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from three-point range, while converting 90 percent from the free throw line. The Eagles also forced 17 turnovers and turned them into 18 points.
*
Emily Sizemore | 15 REB, 9 PTS
*
Juleigh Anne Tucker | 15 PTS, 5 3PT
*
Anna Hellums | 15 PTS, 6-11 FG
*
Ma'Kiya West | 13 PTS, 8 REB
*
Morgan Flannery | 10 PTS
Asbury will now play No. 4 Houghton University in the seventh place game to finish their season on Friday at 4 PM EST.
* Our vision is to serve, train, and compete for the glory of God
* Follow @asburyeagles on Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube
* Watch all TeamAU home games live at Asbury Sports Digital Network.com
* Use the links attached to team schedules to watch live or follow live stats
* Shop AU gear via the "Shop" button at asburyeagles.com
