Women’s Basketball brings in the New Year with a big win over the Toppers

WEST POINT, Ga. (Jan. 4, 2024) - The Point University Women's Basketball opened the year with unity as the Skyhawks took on Blue Mountain Christian University for a Southern States Athletic Conference matchup where Point took care of business with a final score of 81-57.  

The Skyhawks responded to the Toppers' first two scores to tie the game at four as Ky'Leo Worriels and Mataea Boyd started the game by converting on both free throws from the charity stripe. Point took the lead as Worriels scored in the post. Both teams continued to get a feel of their rhythm by trading baskets and leads until Ananda Hughley got her fiery day started with a three-pointer to put the Skyhawks ahead with a 15-13 lead. Point fed off the energy by adding to their lead as Mataea Boyd added two more free throws and Shanbriah Rule converted on the smooth layup. Point's lead jumped to nine with Mirial Cannon splashing a three-pointer to bring Point's lead to 22-13. A fastbreak layup from Antonia Pittman brought Point's lead to 11 to end the 1st quarter. 

A steal from Mirial Cannon followed by the fastbreak layup from Shakira Wilson started the second quarter on a high note. Wilson followed with a quick-release triple that was nothing but net to bring the score to 29-13. The Toppers looked to climb back as Blue Mountain went on an 8-1 run to trail by nine but the Skyhawks regained the momentum as Antonia Pittman and Ananda Hughley scored the following nine points with Pittman knocking down two three-pointers and Hughley adding a triple as well. Layups from Mataea Boyd and Ananda Hughley helped end the first with Point leading 45-26.  

The Skyhawks opened the second half with more intensity as Ky'Leo Worriels started the half with a layup in the post which was followed by a three-pointer from Mataea Boyd. The Skyhawks added to the lead with fast break layups from Antonia Pittman and Shakira Wilson to bring the score to 56-31. The Skyhawks finished the quarter with a triple from Shakira Wilson and a layup from Ky'Leo Worriels with going into the final period of play with a comfortable lead.  

Point was not done yet as the run for the Skyhawks grew with Ananda Hughley letting it fly with a good three-pointer and a converted jump shot. The Toppers continued to look to match the energy of Point but the layup from Shanbriah Rule and firepower off another three-pointer from Ananda Hughley brought the score 75-50 with under three minutes left. The Skyhawks finished the game with Lanee Edwards and Jada Williams converting on the final baskets to end the game with a final score of 81-57. 

In the Box 

Senior Forward, Ananda Hughley led with 16 Points, three rebounds, one steal, and four three-pointers. Antonia Pittman followed with 14 Points, eight assists, and three rebounds. The Skyhawks had three other players in double figures as Shakira Wilson added 12 Points and four rebounds. Mataea Boyd and Ky'Leo Worriels each added 11 Points with Worriels having a double-double with 12 rebounds. Boyd finished with the second-most rebounds with nine. 

Milestone Recognition 

Following the win, Mataea Boyd was honored at half-court for recently surpassing 1,000 career points. Skyhawk Nation is truly proud of Boyd and will continue to be a contributor to her success at Point University during her tenure. 

Up Next 

The Skyhawks will return to action for an SSAC Matchup with the University of Tennessee Southern on Saturday, January 6th starting at 1:30 P.M.