Women's Basketball Wins Senior Day Game Against Truett McConnell

ATHENS, Tenn.- It was Senior Day for the women's basketball team on Saturday. The team walked away with a 58-56 win against the Truett McConnell University Lady Bears in their final home game of the season.

Both teams struggled to find their offensive rhythm early, with missed shots and turnovers preventing either side from gaining an edge. Tennessee Wesleyan's Jaci Powell was active on the boards, collecting defensive rebounds to keep Truett McConnell from second-chance opportunities. Jacelyn Stone put the Lady Bulldogs on the board with a mid-range jumper, and Jalaya Lindsey added a key layup off a steal to give Wesleyan an early lead. A three-pointer from Stone in the closing moments helped the Bulldogs finish the quarter with a slim 13-11 advantage.

Tennessee Wesleyan took control in the second quarter, outscoring Truett McConnell 23-12 in a dominant stretch. Stone continued her strong play, knocking down another three-pointer, while Lindsey and Julia Howard provided a spark with timely baskets in transition. TWU's defense forced multiple turnovers, allowing them to capitalize on fast-break opportunities. Lindsey's layup off an assist from Talley Lawson extended the lead to double digits. By halftime, the Lady Bulldogs had built a comfortable 36-23 lead.

After a strong first half, Tennessee Wesleyan struggled offensively in the third quarter, managing just 11 points. Truett McConnell found their rhythm, cutting into the lead with a 15-point effort. Despite the scoring struggles, Powell and Anna Crowder provided key defensive plays to keep the Lady Bulldogs in front. Stone hit a crucial jumper late in the quarter to maintain TWU's advantage at 47-38 heading into the final period.

Truett McConnell mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, the Lady Bulldogs 18-11. A three-pointer from their opponent cut the lead to one possession with under two minutes remaining. With the game tied at 56-56 in the final seconds, Lindsey was fouled and knocked down a clutch free throw to put Tennessee Wesleyan ahead. Crowder secured an offensive rebound on the next possession and added another free throw with one second left to seal the 58-56 victory.

Lindsey led the contest with 21 points while Stone added 16 points.

With the win, the Lady Bulldogs (15-12, 12-10 AAC) clinch the No. 7 seed in the upcoming AAC Women's Basketball Championship Tournament. The team will begin their run to a championship on Wednesday when they face No. 10 seed Union Commonwealth University at 12:45 p.m. The tournamet takes place at the MeadowView Marriott Convention Center & Conference in Kingsport, Tenn.