JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a highly anticipated NCCAA Division II South Region women's basketball match-up, the Southeastern Baptist College Chargers faced the Trinity Baptist College Eagles on the road. Despite a strong start, the Chargers fell short in the fourth quarter, losing 56-51 in a game marked by intense back-and-forth action.
The game began with an unusual twist, as the Eagles were assessed a technical foul for a malfunctioning shot clock. Sydney Coward stepped up to sink the free throw, giving the Chargers an early 1-0 lead. Coward, starting her second game since returning from injury, showed flashes of her former self, leading the Chargers in three-point shooting with two triples and scoring 11 points overall.
The Chargers surged to a commanding 21-10 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Pontotoc, Mississippi duo of Sarahia Hurd and Mackenzie McGuirt led the charge. Hurd poured in 11 of her 16 points and grabbed six of her 15 rebounds in the opening quarter, while McGuirt contributed 7 points and 3 rebounds.
However, the second quarter told a different story. Hurd picked up her third foul early, forcing her to the bench. Without her defensive and offensive presence, the Chargers struggled, committing turnovers that the Eagles capitalized on. The Chargers scored just 12 points in the quarter, with contributions from Breyonce' Jim, Sanaa Holmes, and Jakyiah Ashford. Holmes hit a key three-pointer at the shot clock buzzer, while Ashford added two points and two assists. The Eagles outscored the Chargers 24-12 in the second quarter, taking a narrow 34-33 lead into halftime.
"We got off to a great start, but we can't let up on the road," said Chargers Head Coach Mike Milligan. "We have to extend that lead and keep the momentum instead of giving it back to the home team."
The third quarter saw the teams trading baskets, with neither side able to gain a significant edge. McGuirt and Hurd combined for 9 points, helping the Chargers tie the game at 44 heading into the final frame.
Unfortunately for the Chargers, the fourth quarter was an offensive struggle. Shooting just 4-for-17 from the field, the team couldn't find their rhythm, and the Eagles took advantage. Coach Milligan highlighted missed opportunities, saying, "Down the stretch, we have to make winning plays. We left too many easy baskets and free throws out there, and turnovers hurt us."
Hurd finished the game with a double-double (16 points, 15 rebounds), while McGuirt added 11 points and 8 rebounds. Jim made her presence felt on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds. Despite the loss, the Chargers remain focused on improving as they continue their NCCAA D2 South Region schedule.
Upcoming Games:
The Chargers will hit the road again for a back-to-back series, taking on Bob Jones University on January 24, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Greenville, South Carolina. SBC looks to avenge their earlier 54-44 neutral-site loss to BJU. The team will then face Toccoa Falls College in Georgia on January 25, 2025, for their first match-up of the season.
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