Bristol, Tenn. – In a game that featured five ties and five lead changes, both teams traded momentum throughout regulation before Young Harris' rebounding dominance and late-game execution proved decisive in the second overtime.
Game Flow
Young Harris opened the night with strong perimeter shooting, taking a 16–8 lead after the first quarter. King struggled to find rhythm early, shooting just 20 percent in the opening frame.
The Tornado settled in during the second quarter, with
Emma Larios and
Aliyah Hawkins knocking down key threes to trim the deficit. Still, Young Harris carried a 31–20 lead into halftime behind Bates' 14 first-half points.
The third quarter remained a defensive grind. King managed only one field goal but stayed within reach thanks to an 8-for-12 effort at the free-throw line. Young Harris maintained a 45–30 advantage heading into the fourth.
King then delivered its best stretch of the night. The Tornado erupted for 21 fourth-quarter points — more than their entire first half — fueled by
Mary Elizabeth Fox's interior scoring and
Alayna Smith's attacking downhill. A late defensive stand allowed King to force overtime tied at 51–51.
The first overtime saw both teams trade key baskets, including a clutch three from Hawkins to keep the Tornado alive. The game moved to a second extra period deadlocked at 57–57.
In double overtime, Young Harris took control. The Mountain Lions capitalized on second-chance opportunities and free throws, while King shot just 2-for-7 in the final period. Bates' late scoring and Malone's dominance on the glass helped Young Harris escape with the narrow win.
King Highlights
- Mary Elizabeth Fox led the Tornado with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals, shooting 5-of-11 from the field.
- Alayna Smith added 14 points and 5 rebounds, providing consistent scoring in the second half.
- Aliyah Hawkins logged 50 minutes, finishing with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals.
- Emma Larios contributed 9 points, 5 rebounds, and a team-high 5 steals.
- Riley Nelson added 7 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.
- King's bench outscored Young Harris 36–18, keeping the Tornado in contention deep into overtime.
- King shot 32.3 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three.
Key Stats
Rebounds: Young Harris 64, King 47
Points in the Paint: King 22, Young Harris 20
Points off Turnovers: King 13, Young Harris 9
Second-Chance Points: Young Harris 13, King 8
Bench Points: King 36, Young Harris 18
Fast Break Points: King 9, Young Harris 10
Three-Pointers: Young Harris 10, King 6
Conclusion
King showed grit, toughness, and resilience in a tightly contested matchup, storming back from a 15-point deficit to force double overtime. Fox's interior scoring, Smith's attacking, and Hawkins' all-around play kept the Tornado in the fight, but Young Harris' rebounding advantage and late execution ultimately sealed the outcome.
With the loss, King looks to regroup as they continue their January homestand.
Next Game
King returns to the Student Center Complex on
Tuesday, January 27, hosting
Belmont Abbey at
5:30 p.m. ET.
