Murfreesboro, N.C. – The King University women's basketball team put together three strong quarters on Monday afternoon but couldn't hold off a late Chowan rally, falling 76–69 inside the Hawks Athletic Center. The Tornado move to
6–8 overall and 3–4 in Conference Carolinas, while the Hawks improve to
8–7 (6–5).
The matchup featured
10 lead changes and three ties, with King controlling much of the afternoon before Chowan's fourth-quarter surge proved to be the difference.
Game Flow
King opened the game with confidence, shooting
54.5 percent in the first quarter and knocking down four threes to take a 22–23 opening frame. The Tornado continued their efficient play in the second quarter, using balanced scoring from
Jaelyn West and
Aliyah Hawkins to build a
43–35 halftime lead.
The third quarter remained competitive, with King converting nine of ten free throws and maintaining its advantage behind steady guard play. The Tornado entered the fourth up
65–56.
Chowan, however, responded with its strongest stretch of the day. The Hawks outscored King
20–4 in the final period, fueled by timely perimeter shooting and a decisive effort on the offensive glass. King went
2-for-17 from the field in the quarter, unable to regain the rhythm that carried them through the first 30 minutes.
King Highlights
- Jaelyn West led the Tornado with 23 points, hitting five threes while adding four rebounds and three steals.
- Aliyah Hawkins delivered 20 points, including four threes and a perfect 6-for-6 at the line, while also handing out five assists.
- Riley Nelson provided a lift off the bench with 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.
- Mary Elizabeth Fox anchored the interior with seven rebounds and three assists.
- King shot 39.3 percent from three and 78.3 percent at the free-throw line.
Chowan Effort
Chowan countered with balanced scoring and a strong presence on the boards:
- Yasmine Brown led the Hawks with 21 points.
- Desiree Askew posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
- Nyeisha Savage added 13 rebounds and seven points.
- The Hawks' bench contributed 31 points, including 11 from Jade Clowney.
Chowan finished with
47 rebounds, including
19 offensive boards, generating
23 second-chance points that proved pivotal in the closing minutes.
Key Stats
- Rebounds: Chowan 47, King 34
- Second-Chance Points: Chowan 23, King 6
- Bench Points: Chowan 31, King 17
- Three-Pointers: Both teams 11
Conclusion
King showcased strong offensive execution through three quarters, highlighted by West's perimeter shooting and Hawkins' all-around performance. While the fourth quarter shifted the outcome, the Tornado demonstrated stretches of high-level play and will look to build on those positives as conference action continues.
Next Game
King returns to the court on
Wednesday, January 21, traveling to face
Young Harris at
5:30 p.m. ET.
