TIGERVILLE, S.C. — King University women's basketball wrapped up its regular-season slate with a hard-fought 64–62 win over North Greenville on Wednesday night inside Hayes Gymnasium. The Tornado battled through a tight, back-and-forth contest that featured eight ties and eight lead changes before delivering key fourth-quarter plays to secure the road victory.
Game Flow
Both teams came out firing in the opening period, trading baskets and ending the quarter deadlocked at 19–19. The defensive intensity picked up in the second frame, with each side scoring just 10 points as the game went into halftime tied 29–29.
North Greenville seized momentum in the third quarter, outscoring King 24–15 behind efficient shooting and strong interior play to take a 53–44 lead into the final period.
The Tornado responded with their most determined stretch of the night. King held the Crusaders to just nine fourth-quarter points while scoring 20 of their own, fueled by clutch free throws and timely defensive stops. A late defensive stand in the final minute sealed the 64–62 win and capped the regular season on a high note.
King Highlights
King's starting five once again carried the scoring load, combining for all 64 points and delivering under pressure in the closing minutes.
- Alayna Smith anchored the Tornado with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double, shooting 6-of-13 from the field and 7-of-10 at the line while adding three steals.
- Jaelyn West delivered 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, knocking down two threes and hitting key free throws in the fourth.
- Mary Elizabeth Fox added 12 points and 2 rebounds while going 5-of-6 at the line.
- Aliyah Hawkins played all 40 minutes, contributing 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 steals.
- Samantha Lee chipped in 7 points on efficient 3-of-5 shooting.
King shot 37.5% from the field, 22.7% from three, and 77.3% at the free-throw line, while forcing 15 turnovers and collecting 9 steals.
North Greenville Effort
The Crusaders were led by:
- Jayla Cook: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
- Maliyiah Mason: 12 points, 10 rebounds
- Janyia Williams: 14 points on 7-of-8 shooting
- Quinn Johnston: 9 points, all from beyond the arc
North Greenville shot 39.7% from the field, but just 18.2% from three, and struggled to find late-game offense against King's fourth-quarter pressure.
Key Stats
| Category |
King |
North Greenville |
| Field Goal % |
37.5% |
39.7% |
| Three-Point % |
22.7% |
18.2% |
| Free Throws |
17–22 |
8–15 |
| Rebounds |
31 |
37 |
| Fast-Break Points |
8 |
8 |
| Points off Turnovers |
10 |
18 |
| Points in the Paint |
28 |
38 |
Conclusion
King closed out the regular season with a resilient road performance, overcoming a nine-point deficit entering the fourth quarter and locking down defensively when it mattered most. Smith's double-double and West's all-around impact powered the Tornado to their 11th conference win as they now shift their focus to postseason play.
Up Next
King will head into the Conference Carolinas postseason, awaiting official seeding and their opening-round opponent.
