ROME, Ga. — King University women's basketball saw its 2025–26 season come to a close Friday evening, falling 70–67 to Emmanuel University in a tightly contested First Round matchup of the Conference Carolinas Women's Basketball Championship inside the Winthrop-King Centre. The Tornado finish the year at 15–13 overall and 12–8 in league play, while Emmanuel advances to the next round.
The postseason opener featured five ties, one lead change, and a determined fourth-quarter push from King that nearly erased a double-digit deficit. Despite a strong late surge, the Tornado were unable to complete the comeback as Emmanuel held on in the final minute.
Game Flow
Emmanuel opened the game with efficient perimeter shooting, taking a 20–15 lead after the first quarter. King responded with a steady second period, trimming the margin to 35–31 at halftime.
The third quarter proved decisive, as Emmanuel outscored King 21–13 behind timely three-pointers and a strong rebounding presence. The Lions entered the fourth with a 56–44 advantage.
King delivered its best stretch of the night in the final period, erupting for 23 points while holding Emmanuel to 14. Defensive pressure and late scoring from the Tornado backcourt cut the deficit to a single possession in the closing seconds. Emmanuel, however, converted key free throws and secured the final rebound to seal the 70–67 result.
King Highlights
King's starters combined for 53 points, keeping the Tornado within striking distance throughout the contest.
- Alayna Smith led King with 21 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 9-of-17 from the field.
- Mary Elizabeth Fox added 14 points, including four three-pointers, along with three rebounds.
- Aliyah Hawkins delivered 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists while playing all 40 minutes.
- Jaelyn West contributed 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
- Emma Larios provided 9 points off the bench, going 5-of-6 at the free-throw line.
- Riley Nelson added 5 points in 19 minutes.
King shot 36.4% from the field, 28.0% from three, and 80.0% at the line. The Tornado forced 10 turnovers and turned them into 23 points while collecting 16 second-chance points.
Emmanuel Effort
Emmanuel countered with a balanced scoring attack and a strong night on the glass.
- Naomi Roberts led all scorers with 23 points, adding 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals.
- Natalee Goff posted a 14-point, 13-rebound double-double.
- Kate Jackson added 10 points and 8 rebounds.
- Hannah Harris scored 9 points on 4-of-5 shooting.
- Lizzie Teasley contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds.
The Lions shot 42.1% from the field and 36.0% from three while outrebounding King 42–37.
Key Stats
- Field Goal %: King 36.4% | Emmanuel 42.1%
- Three-Point %: King 28.0% | Emmanuel 36.0%
- Free Throws: King 12–15 | Emmanuel 13–20
- Rebounds: King 37 | Emmanuel 42
- Points off Turnovers: King 23 | Emmanuel 5
- Second-Chance Points: King 16 | Emmanuel 7
- Points in the Paint: King 34 | Emmanuel 20
Season Conclusion
King's season concludes after a competitive postseason effort marked by resilience, late-game execution, and strong performances from its veteran core. The Tornado fought through every possession in their final outing, nearly erasing a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter before falling just short.
