MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Maryville College women's basketball battled toe-to-toe for three quarters, but an extended run late in the third and early in the fourth lifted unbeaten Centre to a 63–49 win Tuesday evening at the Cooper Athletic Center.
The Scots (3–3) led at the half for the sixth time in as many games this season, carrying a 27–24 advantage into the locker room after a tightly contested first 20 minutes that featured nine ties and frequent lead changes. Maryville's defense set the tone early, forcing Centre into difficult possessions and keeping the Colonels in check despite several clean looks on the offensive end that rimmed out.
"Defensively, we felt really good about what we were doing," head coach Darrin Travillian said postgame. "We had a lot of open looks that just didn't go in."
Centre (8–0) began to find rhythm late in the third quarter, using ball movement and transition opportunities to put together a decisive run. The Colonels assisted on 19 of their 22 made field goals and scored 21 points off turnovers, gradually creating separation in a game that remained within reach entering the fourth.
Maryville attempted to answer, trimming the margin multiple times in the final period, but each push was met with a response from Centre. A brief stretch of turnovers stalled the Scots' momentum as the Colonels widened the gap in the closing minutes.
Offensively, Maryville was paced by Ella Haney, who finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with four rebounds. Kadence Stoner added eight points and seven boards, while Emily Allen chipped in seven off the bench.
One of the bright spots for the Scots came inside, where Leighan Jackson provided a strong presence in limited minutes. Jackson scored six points, battled on the glass, and made several timely plays in the first half.
"She gives you a traditional five presence," Travillian said. "She can catch in the post, make plays, rebound, take charges. She does a lot of really good stuff."
Centre was led by Lilly Reid with 18 points and Ryleigh Campbell with 17, as the Colonels maintained their unbeaten start.
Maryville will close out the calendar year with two more games, including a challenging road test against a nationally ranked Catholic squad. The focus, according to the coaching staff, remains on transition defense, ball security, and continuing to compete against elite opponents.
"It doesn't get any easier," coach noted. "We've got to take care of the ball better, get back in transition, and compete like crazy."
