PULASKI, TN- The Bryan College Women's Basketball team squared off against the University of Tennessee Southern Skyhawks Saturday night. The Lady Lions ended the 2023 calendar year with a 59-56 win over the Skyhawks. 

Both teams came out looking as if they might have had a bit of Christmas break rust as the teams shot a combined 3-14 from behind the arc in the first quarter. Senior Kaitlynn Hennessee carried the Lions slow start with 6 first quarter points giving Bryan a 14-13 first quarter lead. The Lady Lions found a bit more rhythm in the 2nd quarter as Senior Samantha Russell made a big three right out of the gate off an assist from Hennessee. The Lions and Skyhawks would trade buckets throughout the 2nd, but Hennessee ended half with a three pointer to maintain the Lions one point lead 29-28. 

Coming out of half it was Senior Allissa Mulaski who carried the Lions, hitting the first basket of the 3rd and a big three just a few minutes later. Mulaski going a perfect 3-3 from the field and hit the final bucket of the 3rd quarter to help the Lady Lions slightly extend their lead 45-43. 

Senior Samantha Russell helped the Lady Lions close out the game with a strong start in the 4th scoring the first 8 points for Bryan. After a layup and a pair of free throws from Torie Brooks, the Lady Lions held onto their 3 point lead and took home the 59-56 victory.


With the win Bryan moves to 10-4 overall and 8-1 in the AAC. UT Southern goes to 3-7 overall. 

Looking Forward:
The Lady Lions head back home on Tuesday 1/2 at 5:30 PM to face UPIKE in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup.