Point’s rebounding attack serves as the catalyst in the victory over KCU

GRAYSON, Ky. (Dec. 3, 2022) - The Point University returned to action Saturday evening for an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup on the road against Kentucky Christian University and came out the matchup victorious with a final score of 63-51. 

The Knights jumped on the scoreboard first with a layup in the paint but Point instantly retaliated with a layup from Mataea Boyd. Mirial Cannon took the next two scores after knocking down two free throws and scoring the layup on the next offensive possession. KCU cut Point's lead to two as Jasmine Flowers knocked down a jumper to bring the score to 6-4. Point continued to feel their way through the first quarter and would start to find their rhythm as Ananda Hughley connected with Boyd for the layup. Chinedu Nnadi knocked down the triple on the next offensive possession to push Point's lead to 14-6. Mataea Boyd's hot first half continued as she made a three-pointer and followed on the next possession with a layup assisted by Marta Gimenez. The Skyhawks' lead was extended to double digits as Gimenez knocked down free throws, and Ky'Leo Worriels started her dominance in the paint with a layup. The Knights scored four more points as the quarter ended with Point ahead 25-14. 

Ananda Hughley started the second quarter with a sniper three to help extend Point's lead. The Knights continued to try to match Point's offensive approach as Jada Higgins made the strong take to the paint to cut KCU's deficit to nine points. Mirial Cannon's court vision was displayed as she connected with Worriels to score the layup and bring the score to 30-17. With under five minutes left in the quarter, Boyd made her second three-pointer of the half and followed with a layup. The Knights' empty offensive possessions ended as Jada Higgins made the successful take in the paint. Mirial Cannon started to find her rhythm as she scored the layup off a Mataea Boyd offensive rebound. With under a minute left, Boyd scorched her way past the Knights' defense with another take to the paint to bring the Skyhawk to lead to 39-22. KCU responded with two three-pointers from Taylor Issac and Jada Higgins to cut their deficit to 11 going into the half. 

The Knights took the first score in the third quarter and cut Point's lead to single digits with a layup. Chinedu Nnadi extended the lead for Point back to 12 as she scored the two buckets for the Skyhawks. Point's rebounding attack elevated in the third quarter as Ky'Leo Worriels helped lead the charge on the offensive boards. KCU looked to cut the lights off on Point's momentum as the Knights made another triple to bring the Skyhawks' lead back to single digits. As the quarter continued, Worriels halted the Knights on offense with a steal that set up the layup from Boyd. The Skyhawks would push their lead to 11 as Mirial Cannon scored the next two layups in the paint to bring the score to 51-37 with 2:40 left in the third quarter. Marta Gimenez added to the Skyhawks' lead with a three-pointer, and Cannon scored another layup to give Point their biggest lead of the game with 19 to go into the final period. 

The Knights scored the first bucket of the quarter, hoping to make a comeback to stop the Skyhawks but Ky'Leo Worriels responded with a layup on the other end. The Knights started to find life on offense as they scored the next two baskets. Point continued to keep their foot on the gas, and the effort showed as Point grabbed two offensive rebounds in one possession. Mirial Cannon added another for the Skyhawks as she made another three-pointer to push Point's lead to 63-46 with 5:09 remaining in the game. The Knights scored the next five points but would be unable to move the needle for a comeback as Point took the win in conference play. 

In the box 

Mataea Boyd led with a double-double on the evening with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Mirial Cannon followed with 15 points, four rebounds, one steal and one block. Ky'Leo Worriels led the charge on the boards with 19 rebounds for a career-high as a Skyhawk. Worriels also added nine points on the evening. Marta Gimenez filled the stats sheet with seven points, 10 rebounds and six assists. Point tallied 52 rebounds and out-rebounded the Knights by 30. 

Coach's Quote 

Head Coach, Tory Wooley, was ecstatic with the team play on the boards that secured second-chance possessions for the Skyhawks. "I thought we did an excellent job rebounding the ball, which gave us extra possessions, which was a key deciding factor in today's game. Anytime you can out-rebound your opponent by 30 is huge. Mataea and Mirial were great offensively, and this was a great conference win for us." 

Up next 

The Skyhawks will return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 7 for a road matchup against Lagrange College in a nonconference battle. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 P.M.