Box Score Maryville College senior Mackenzie Puckett deposited 25 points while bringing down a game-high 16 rebounds to help the Scots defeat USA South foe North Carolina Wesleyan College 78-54 on Friday evening in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
MC battled the Bishops 15-11 in the first quarter but pulled away in the second period after holding NC Wesleyan to a 4-for-16 shooting performance that included an 0-for-7 effort from beyond the arc. The Scots took a 34-20 lead into the half and cruised to their fourth USA South victory to remain undefeated conference play.
Maryville (10-2, 4-0 USA South) out rebounded the Bishops 53-35, taking advantage of numerous second opportunity baskets with 20 offensive rebounds. Puckett was 7-for-19 from the floor but hit 11-of-14 free throws to finish with 25. She also dished out a team-high 4 assists while blocking a pair of shots. Allyson Freiermuth finished 7-for-8 from the floor for 18 points while bringing down 9 boards. Madison Maples came off the bench to add 11 points after connecting on 3-of-7 treys.
North Carolina Wesleyan (5-8, 2-2 USA South) was held to a 32% team shooting percentage by the Scots defense. Kenyata Harris paced the Bishops with 18 points on 8-of-15 shooting.
"This was a great road win tonight," stated MC head coach Darrin Travillian. "I was very pleased with our rebounding effort and attention on the defensive end. Obviously Mack had an All-American effort in the boards and in the scoring column. Allyson was also outstanding on the boards, and nearly perfect from the floor. The play up and down the roster speaks to what this team is capable of as we continue to improve."
Maryville will challenge William Peace University in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday afternoon.
