Box Score The Maryville College Scots cruised to an easy 73-39 NCAA Division III South Region victory over Birmingham-Southern inside Boydson Baird Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon after a strong first half.
The Scots shot 46.4 percent in the first half, taking a commanding 37-9 lead after using a 28-3 run over 12:01. The Panthers forced Maryville outside with a zone look, but it didn't hinder the long-range Scots.
Maryville took a 37-16 lead to the break behind an eight-point, six-rebound first half for Mackenzie Puckett and seven treys by the Scots.
Maryville's defense held Birmingham-Southern at bay during the first stanza. The Panthers shot only 18.2 percent in the opening half, while Joanna Young's four-steal effort led the Scots to 10 steals.
Birmingham-Southern tallied 14 turnovers in the first half, 20 for the game.
Maryville was led by an impressive near double-double by Puckett. The junior posted 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals in 21 minutes of action.
Freshman Lauren Biliter had a career-high 11 points, while Jordan Ballard added eight points and seven rebounds. Alex Bond and Joanna Young each had seven points, while Young added four rebounds, four steals and three assists. Rachel Hawn, Linley Dunn and Lauren Trent had six points each, while Mindy Brackins added five. Brittany Johnson had three points.
Birmingham-Southern was led by a 10-point outing by Breanne DeBaets. She shot 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, as the Panthers were only able to muster a 22 percent outing on the day. Laura Van Peursem led Birmingham-Southern with five rebounds.
Maryville moves to 5-1 on the young season, while the Panthers fall to 5-3.
The Scots will travel next to Lexington, Ky. for the Transylvania Classic. Maryville will face Bridgewater on Friday, Dec. 19. Tipoff is slated for 6 p.m.
