CONWAY, Ark.—For the first time in the early 2018-19 season, the Millsaps women's basketball got out to an early lead and were able to play ahead. 
 
After trailing at halftime to both Belhaven and Austin College, the Majors rode a monster first half to a 72-53 win over Centenary College to close out this year's SAA/SCAC Challenge. 
 
Millsaps set the tone early, with Millicent Butler draining a three just 15 seconds into the opening quarter. A pair of Anna Wilson free throws extended the Majors lead to 5-0 before Centenary got on the board. The Ladies were able to pull within 3, at 14-11, but Millsaps closed the quarter on an 11-4 run, including 4 points in the paint and a three from Morgan McCrea. 
 
The second quarter started out fast for Millsaps as Wilson added to the lead just seven seconds into the start. That was part of a 17 point quarter for Millsaps. But, the story of the second quarter was the Majors defense. Millsaps allowed just three points in the second quarter, one of which was a free throw. Centenary was held to just 6-27 shooting in the first half, while the Majors shot a strong 48%, including 4-8 from behind the line. 
 
Centenary was able to get a little more offense going in the third quarter, with Millsaps outscoring them just 16-15, but the damage was done and the Ladies trailed by 23 heading into the fourth quarter. 
 
Millsaps started the fourth quarter on a 6-2 run, highlighted by a Rebecca Harris jumper and layups from Wilson and Taelor Manning, to extend their lead to 27. The Ladies outscored Millsaps 20-16 in the final frame, but it didn't matter as the Majors cruised to their second win of the season. 
 
The Majors dominated down low, outscoring Centenary 34-12 in the paint.
 
Anna Wilson was the game's leading scorer, throwing down 18 points to go along with her 9 boards. McCrea and Butler both scored in double figures as well, chipping in 14 and 10, respectively. Nine different women scored for the Majors while the defense held the Ladies to just one scorer in double figures. 
 
What's Next? 
 
The Majors will be off for a week before welcoming Howard Payne University to the Hangar Dome for a game on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff will be at 3:00pm.