Early Offensive Struggles Doom 'Roos

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College women's basketball team staged a furious third-quarter rally to erase a double-digit halftime deficit, but the comeback bid ultimately fell short as the 'Roos dropped a 63-55 decision to Millsaps College on Wednesday afternoon at Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos fall to 4-5 on the season, while the Majors improve to 7-2.

Austin College struggled to find its offensive rhythm in the first half, managing just 16 points over the first two quarters. Millsaps controlled the early action, holding the 'Roos to eight points in each of the first two periods to take a 26-16 lead into the locker room. The 'Roos knocked down just 1-of-17 shots to start the game, with Emma Potts scoring the first five for Austin College and Lexi Martin making it 16-8 after the opening frame with a buzzer-beating three from the corner.

The script flipped entirely in the third quarter. The 'Roos exploded for 28 points in the frame - more than doubling their first-half total - while holding the Majors to 17. The offensive surge allowed Austin College to storm back and take a narrow 44-43 lead heading into the final stanza. However, the Majors responded in the fourth quarter, clamping down defensively and regaining control of the contest. Millsaps outscored Austin College 20-11 in the final 10 minutes to secure the eight-point victory.

Potts and Maya Dodson paced the Austin College offense, scoring 11 points apiece. Potts was a presence in the paint, adding eight rebounds and two blocks, while Dodson did her damage from the perimeter, connecting on 3-of-5 shots from beyond the arc. Avory Miller chipped in with a solid all-around game, recording eight points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

For Millsaps, Garin Freeman led all scorers with 20 points, hitting 6-of-13 from the field and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Elyse Warren was a force inside for the visitors, posting a double-double with 17 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Tia Anderson also finished in double figures for the Majors with 15 points.

Despite the loss, Austin College held a slight edge on the boards, outrebounding Millsaps 36-33, including 13 offensive rebounds. However, shooting efficiency proved to be a difference-maker, as Millsaps shot 46.0% from the field compared to 35.6% for the 'Roos. Austin College is off until the New Year, when they get back into Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play on the road at the University of Dallas on January 3.