BRISTOL, Tenn. — The King University women's basketball team delivered a gritty and resilient performance on Saturday afternoon, earning a 76–70 victory over Francis Marion University at the Student Center Complex. With the win, the Tornado improved to 11–11 overall and 8–7 in Conference Carolinas play, while the Patriots dropped to 16–8 (13–3 CC). A crowd of 114 fans witnessed a back-and-forth battle featuring eight ties and 12 lead changes before King surged ahead late.
Game Flow
Both teams came out firing in a fast-paced first quarter, trading baskets and ending the frame tied 19–19. King found a slight edge in the second period behind improved defensive pressure and timely free-throw shooting, taking a narrow 31–30 lead into halftime.
The Tornado created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Francis Marion 19–14 thanks to aggressive drives, second-chance opportunities, and steady ball movement. King entered the fourth with a six-point cushion — and needed every bit of it.
The final period turned into a shootout, with both teams scoring 26 points. Francis Marion's Kiara Croskey and Terriana Gray kept the Patriots within striking distance, but King's composure at the free-throw line and balanced scoring down the stretch secured the hard-fought home victory.
King Highlights
King showcased depth, toughness, and poise, with multiple players stepping up in key moments:
- Aliyah Hawkins delivered a complete performance, scoring 16 points while going 10-for-12 at the free-throw line. She added six assists, four rebounds, and steady leadership in 40 minutes of action.
- Alayna Smith provided interior strength with 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds.
- Jaelyn West added 12 points, knocking down a three and contributing on both ends.
- Mary Elizabeth Fox continued her strong play with 10 points and eight rebounds, hitting both of her three-point attempts.
- Ashley Allen chipped in eight points and six rebounds, while Riley Nelson added nine points off the bench, including a perfect 5-for-6 at the line.
- Samantha Lee provided a spark with five points in 12 efficient minutes.
King finished with 42 rebounds, 16 bench points, and a crucial 26-for-35 performance at the free-throw line — the difference-maker in a tight contest.
Francis Marion Effort
The Patriots were led by a trio of standout performances:
- Kiara Croskey poured in a game-high 26 points on 10-of-21 shooting while adding six rebounds and four steals.
- Terriana Gray was highly efficient, scoring 20 points on 9-of-12 shooting.
- Uriah Jennings added 18 points and four rebounds while shooting 8-for-13 from the field.
Francis Marion shot 45.3 percent from the floor but struggled to generate bench scoring, finishing with just two points from reserves.
Key Stats
| Category |
King |
Francis Marion |
| Field Goal % |
36.7% |
45.3% |
| Three-Point % |
37.5% |
28.6% |
| Free Throws |
26–35 |
8–11 |
| Rebounds |
42 |
38 |
| Bench Points |
16 |
2 |
| Points in the Paint |
30 |
30 |
| Fast-Break Points |
12 |
16 |
| Points off Turnovers |
13 |
11 |
Conclusion
King's resilience, depth, and late-game execution powered the Tornado to a signature conference win over one of the league's top teams. Hawkins' steady playmaking, Smith's interior presence, and balanced scoring across the roster highlighted a complete team effort. The victory pushes King above .500 in league play as the postseason race intensifies.
Next Game
King returns to action on Monday, February 16, traveling to Emmanuel College for a 5:00 p.m. ET matchup.
