'Roo Women Use Big Second Half to Run Past Centenary

SHERMAN, Texas — Lexi Martin scored a game-high 20 points, knocking down four three-pointers, and Avory Miller flirted with a triple-double to lead Austin College to a commanding 78-54 victory over Centenary College on Friday night in Hughey Gym. With the win, the 'Roos improve to 6-8 overall and 3-2 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Martin hit 7-of-14 field goal attempts, incuding 4-of-8 from long range for the 'Roos, who pulled away in the middle quarters after a tight start. Miller finished with 11 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high eight assists while piloting an offense that shot 47.5% from the floor.

Kyra Stokes led Centenary with 13 points and eight rebounds, while Amiyah Barrow added 11 points. However, the Ladies struggled to protect the ball, committing 23 turnovers which Austin College converted into 22 points. The game began as a back-and-forth affair, with Centenary taking its only lead of the game at the 8:13 mark of the first quarter when Stokes drained a three-pointer to make it 3-2. The teams traded baskets for the remainder of the period, with Austin College holding a slim 14-13 advantage heading into the second.

Austin College began to create separation in the second quarter. Leading 18-16, Martin sparked a run with a three at the 8:21 mark. Minutes later, at 6:51, Martin connected from deep again to extend the lead to 28-17. While Centenary managed to trim the deficit, Amarys Cuellar hit a crucial triple with 2:36 left in the half to help the 'Roos take a 38-30 lead into the break. The 'Roos broke the game open in the third quarter, outscoring the Ladies 22-13. Saleigh Berry hit a trey at the 7:18 mark to push the lead to double digits at 45-34. Later in the period, Trinity Williams converted a layup off a pass from Emma Potts at 4:01, extending the advantage to 52-39. Austin College closed the quarter leading 60-43.

Austin College maintained its dominance in the fourth quarter, leading by as many as 25 points. That margin came at the 6:15 mark when Potts scored in the paint to make it 70-45. Austin College dominated the interior throughout the contest, outscoring Centenary 42-22 in the paint. Brooklyn Matthews also scored in double figures for Austin College, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Trinity Williams anchored the defense with a team-high nine rebounds.

For Centenary, Julissa Cabrera chipped in eight points, three rebounds, and three assists but struggled with ball security, recording eight turnovers. Austin College displayed efficient ball movement throughout the night, recording 21 assists on 29 made field goals. The Austin College defense also tallied 11 steals, with Miller grabbing three.