JACKSON, Miss. – The Millsaps women's basketball team was able to overcome a slow start and turn a 12-point halftime deficit into a 64-54 victory over Centre College at the Hangar Dome on Saturday.
Millsaps (7-0, 6-0 SAA) also improved its perfect record atop the Southern Athletic Association conference standings. Oglethorpe (4-0, 4-0 SAA) is the only other unblemished team midway through the condensed season.
The Majors dominated Centre (0-4, 0-4 SAA) in the second half, outscoring the Colonels, 41-19. Millsaps also found success in the paint, gaining a 30-16 edge.
Senior forward
Dia Fortenberry led the charge with 22 points (15 of which came in the second half) and added a team-best six rebounds. Fellow senior
Taelor Manning exhibited an all-around game with a stat line of 13 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
A quick start for Centre gave the Colonels a 13-2 lead midway through the first quarter. Both teams traded baskets the rest of the half resulting in a 12-point advantage for the Colonels at halftime.
After the intermission, the Majors' fortunes began to turn around as they found success attacking Centre's zone. Millsaps scored at an impressive 73.3 percent in the third quarter on 11 of 15 shooting. The Majors were able to outscore the Colonels 28-12 in the third frame alone.
A mid-range jump shot by sophomore guard
Briasha King finally gave the Majors their first lead since the opening minute with 3:38 remaining in the third.
The Major led 51-47 entering the final stanza and steadily grew its lead from there. Centre was held to 16.7 percent from the field in the fourth (2 of 12) and only managed seven points.
Manning used a two-point jumper to put the game out of reach with Millsaps up 59-50 with 2:40 remaining.
Millsaps is scheduled to return to action against Rhodes College in the Hangar Dome at 4 p.m. CT on Saturday, Feb. 13th. Live video and stat links will be available on the women's basketball schedule page at gomajors.com.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the women's basketball program, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.
