Box Score For the second consecutive challenge, the No. 14 Maryville College Scots saved their best for the second half defeating Covenant College 55-35 on Saturday afternoon in MC's Boydson Baird Gymnasium.
A 25-22 halftime advantage after shooting only 31% from the floor gave Maryville Head Coach Darrin Travillian a much needed opportunity to make some adjustments during the intermission.
The result was a constant defensive pressure that forced 22 turnovers and limited Covenant to a 14% (4-for-29) shooting effort to close out the USA South Athletic Conference battle.
Maryville out paced Covenant 30-13 in the closing periods to claim their second conference victory of the young season.
"When we started to rebound, our defense looked much better, "stated Head Coach Darrin Travillian. "They out rebounded us in the first half and we made an effort to close out the game with a much better effort on the boards. It was a great team effort especially in the second half."
Covenant (2-6, 0-1 USA South) was led by Kaley Hallmark's 12 points and seven rebounds. Rachel Price added eight points while leading all players on the boards with 12 rebounds. The Georgian Scots finished the game hitting 2-of-19 (11%) from beyond the arc and 13-for-55 (27%) from the floor for the game.
Maryville (7-1, 2-0 USA South) saw complete efferts from a variety of standouts. Mackenzie Puckett deposited a game-high 13-points on 6-of-11 shooting while recording 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a blocked shot. Allyson Freiermuth had her second consecutive strong game in the paint with 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting while bringing down a team-high eight rebounds. Rachel Hawn and Linley Dunn helped MC out rebound the visitors 46-41 with a combined 10 boards. Jordan Ballard directed an offense that hit 35% of their shots with five of Maryville's 14 assists. Guard Joanna Young was also consistent with five rebounds, three assists, a block, and a steal.
After a pair of wins during finals week, the Scots will now rest and prepare to host Transylvania University on Sunday, December 20th before they break for the Christmas holiday.
