Banner Elk, N.C. – King University women's basketball earned a crucial conference road victory Saturday afternoon, defeating Lees-McRae 68–61 at Williams Gymnasium. The Tornado improved to 3–4 overall (1–1 Conference Carolinas), while the Bobcats dropped to 5–3 (2–1 Conference Carolinas).
Game Flow
King came out strong, building a 17–11 lead after the first quarter and extending the margin to 39–24 at halftime behind efficient shooting and perimeter scoring. Lees-McRae stormed back in the third quarter with a 20–9 run, cutting the deficit to just four points entering the final period. The Tornado regrouped in the fourth, outscoring the Bobcats 20–17 to secure the seven-point win.
King Highlights
- Aliyah Hawkins led the way with 16 points, hitting three triples and adding four assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 37 minutes.
- Alayna Smith was dominant inside, scoring 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting while grabbing eight rebounds.
- Mary Elizabeth Fox provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including three three-pointers, and four steals.
- Jaelyn West chipped in seven points, while Le'Aije Ellington added six points and five rebounds.
- King's bench contributed 23 points, highlighted by Samantha Lee's four points and six rebounds.
- As a team, King shot 42.1 percent from the field (24-of-57), 47.4 percent from three-point range (9-of-19), and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line (11-of-14).
- The Tornado forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 22 points, and held a 40–33 rebounding advantage.
Key Stats
- Rebounds: King 40, Lees-McRae 33
- Second-Chance Points: King 13, Lees-McRae 15
- Points in the Paint: King 24, Lees-McRae 24
- Points off Turnovers: King 22, Lees-McRae 23
- Bench Points: King 23, Lees-McRae 10
Conclusion
King's balanced scoring attack and defensive pressure proved decisive in a tightly contested matchup. Hawkins and Smith provided leadership on both ends, while Fox's energy off the bench gave the Tornado a critical boost. The win evens King's conference record and builds momentum heading into mid-December play.
Next Game
The Tornado will return home on
Saturday, December 16, hosting
Converse at the Student Center Complex in Bristol, Tenn. Tip-off is scheduled for
12:00 p.m. ET.
