JACKSON, Miss. — The Millsaps women's basketball team defeated the University of the Ozarks, 81-69 on Tuesday inside the Hangar Dome to close out the year strong.
Millsaps built an early 22-10 lead in the first quarter, including a 17-6 surge by the first media timeout and maintained control throughout.
The Majors dominated the paint with 42 points and secured a significant rebounding edge (43-28) to secure the victory. Ozarks (5-4) was held to 19 percent (4-for-21) from 3-point range.
Millsaps (9-2) wrapped up its non-conference slate with four blocks and six steals defensively.
Junior Garin Freeman handled business on the court scoring 20 points and dishing out a season-high nine assists. Freeman shot 10-of-14 from the free-throw line and recorded six rebounds and two steals against the Eagles.
Senior Elyse Warren collected 16 rebounds and added 15 points while shooting 6-of-11 from the floor and recording one steal. It was the Memphis, Tenn., product's seventh double-double of the season. Warren entered the contest fourth across NCAA Division III in rebounding.
Junior Tia Anderson closed out 2025 strong against the Eagles with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Her rebounds tied a career high. Anderson also shot 7-of-14 from the floor, boasting three assists and one steal.
Sophomore Anaya Lewis erupted with a career-high 14 points and registered two blocks to stop her opponents. Lewis dominated her matchup shooting 5-of-8 on the court and 4-of-7 from the foul line. She also contested two blocked shots, and five rebounds in a triumph over the Eagles.
Junior Mya Richardson added a career-best 10 points, two assists and a steal off the bench.
Millsaps opened the first quarter with a strong showing, highlighted by Anderson's quick 3-pointer just 16 seconds into the game. Anderson continued to lead with another 3-pointer, contributing to a 17-8 stretch midway through the quarter.
The Majors continued to surge in the second quarter, capitalizing on their inside presence to score 16 points in the paint. Warren led the charge with multiple layups and an and-one, contributing to a stretch that saw the Majors maintain a steady advantage.
Despite a brief push from the Eagles, which included three successful 3-pointers, the Majors held firm. The second quarter concluded with Millsaps leading 42-29.
Millsaps faced a challenging third quarter as the Eagles narrowed the gap, but the home team maintained their lead. Lewis made a crucial layup with 6;35 left in the frame to keep the Majors ahead.
The Eagles worked to cut into the lead, but the Majors responded effectively. Lewis added another key layup and converted a free throw with 34 seconds left to extend their advantage. The quarter ended with Millsaps leading 53-45.
Millsaps maintained their edge in the final quarter, starting strong with an early layup by Warren a minute in. A pivotal 3-pointer from senior Maddy Maw at 7:54, assisted by Freeman, extended their advantage to 11 points, setting a firm tone for the quarter.
In the final minutes, Millsaps secured their lead with consistent scoring from Freeman and clutch defensive rebounds by Anderson. The game ended with Millsaps ahead, 81-69, sealing the victory with a confident display in the closing minutes of play.
The Majors return in 2026 and open Southern Athletic Association action on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Rhodes College. Game time is set for 3 p.m. with live video and live stats available at gomajors.com.
To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps College women's basketball program follow the Majors on X and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook and visit gomajors.com.
Founded in Jackson, Mississippi in 1890, Millsaps College is a national liberal arts college dedicated to academic excellence, open inquiry and free expression, the exploration of faith to inform vocation and the innovative shaping of the social, economic and cultural progress of our region. Consistently ranked as one of the best values in higher education, Millsaps has been praised by Colleges That Change Lives, The Princeton Review, Forbes Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, The John Templeton Foundation, and The Fiske Guide to Colleges.
