Women’s Basketball Picks Up Big Win Over Defending Conference Champions
January 4, 2025
TUSCALOOSA [JANAURY 4, 2025] - SUNO Women's Basketball put another tick in the win column with an overwhelming 85-66 victory over the Rust College Bearcats, the league's defending champions.
After a close first half, the Knights turned up the pressure and outscored the Bearcats 48-31 in the second half.
Head Coach Destinie Smith provided insight on the game and her team's ability to handle adversity and get a big conference win:
On Kyren Wilson's defensive intensity and ability to create turnovers
"Kyren's defensive intensity is something that we expect from her. She has a high motor and the intensity she shows on defense is a true reflection of the internal motivation she possesses."
On Zaire McNeal's key three-points to extend the lead
"Zaire's confidence got a huge boost against Wilberforce, and tonight's game against Rust took it to another level. She hit some big threes for us coming off the bench, and I believe she has found her stride."
On adjustments made at the half to dominate Rust in the second half
"The major adjustment we had to make at the half was our attitude. Some things didn't go the way we wanted in the first half, and we've struggled with maintaining emotional composure in those moments. Today, they pushed through that emotional adversity to get the win. We also emphasized that we needed more intensity on the defensive end and to be more aggressive when it came to our rebounding. "
On the impact of this win on team confidence and momentum for the last two Crossover games
"This win is what we've been working hard for! This team has a lot of talent on it, but they needed to prove to themselves that they could overcome those uncomfortable moments and not shy away from the challenge. This win has shown them what it's going to take to keep winning and I believe they are ready to get out of their own way and play up to the potential they have!"
The Knights return to the court Monday to take on conference runner-up Fisk at 2 p.m. The game will be broadcast on SUNO Knights TV.
SCORE
1st Qtr
|
2nd Qtr
|
3rd Qtr
|
4th Qtr
|
Final
|
|
Rust
|
16
|
18
|
19
|
13
|
66
|
SUNO
|
17
|
20
|
24
|
24
|
85
|
SUNO Top Performers
- Kyren Wilson: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, 1 assist
- Zaire McNeal: 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
- Tierra Sylvas: 16 points, 5 assists, 2 steals
- Jordan Harris: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals
For more information about SUNO Athletics visit sunoathletics.com.
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