Women’s basketball earns hard-fought victory in season opener

WEST POINT, Ga. (Oct. 29, 2021) – Behind a career-high of 26 points from sophomore Hannah Williams and a double-double from junior Sheyvonne Owens, the Point University women's basketball team defeated Faulkner University 86-78 in their season opener inside West Point Park Gymnasium Friday afternoon.

"I could not be more proud of how hard our ladies fought," Head Coach Tory Wooley said. "Faulkner is a great team and we had to make adjustments to counter their size and shooting ability. That was our first win in basketball school history against Faulkner's storied program. We just have to build on this and continue to improve. Sheyonne gave us the lift we needed in the first half with her inside presence. Marta and Iyanna hit big shots in the second half as we rode Hannah's shot-making and scoring ability to close the game for us."

With 5:23 remaining in the first period, the score was tied 8-8, but back-to-back baskets from Owens followed by a 3-pointer from Marta Casas Gimenez gave Point a seven-point lead (15-8). The Skyhawks would remain in the lead for the rest of the period, despite a late comeback attempt from the Eagles that would bring the score within two (20-18) entering the second period.

The Eagles' momentum carried over to the second period, as Faulkner's Morgan Holland connected for a 3-pointer to help the Eagles take a 21-20 lead. The Skyhawks did not falter in Faulkner's surge, as both teams were back-and-forth with a total of five lead changes and three ties until a 3-pointer by Faulkner's Josie Edwards would send the Eagles into the break with a four-point lead (37-33). 

Out of the break, Faulkner would extend their lead by two before back-to-back 3-pointers from Gimenez, and Iyanna McMillan would tie the game at 39. Neither team was able to extend their lead out by more than three and the Skyhawks were able to secure a one-point advantage (54-53) entering the final frame, off a jump shot from Williams.

Tied at 62 with 5:30 left in the game, Williams forced a Faulkner turnover and went on to make a layup, sending the Skyhawks on a 7-0 run with four minutes left. Point held onto its lead for the remainder of the game, extending it out to as many as 10.

All five starters made it to the double-figures scoring column. Along with 26 points, Williams also recorded six assists, three rebounds and three steals. McMillan followed with 21 points and five rebounds. In her Skyhawk debut, Owens scored 14 points, accompanied by 12 boards. Gimenez recorded 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds and Alexis Tate had 10 points, four steals and four rebounds.

Point shot 50% from the field and 38.5% from the perimeter.

Up next, Point will host Mobile on Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. Following Wednesday's game, Point will open Appalachian Athletic Conference play by hosting St. Andrews on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m.