DAYTON, Tenn. — The Bryan College Lady Lions basketball team delivered a commanding performance Wednesday evening, dismantling the Montreat Cavaliers 97-56 at Summers Gymnasium to improve their record to an impressive 21-5 overall and 18-2 in conference play.
After falling behind 25-19 after the first quarter, Bryan flipped a switch in the second period, outscoring Montreat 26-5 to take a commanding 45-30 halftime lead. The Lions never looked back, continuing to pour it on in the second half with a 29-12 third quarter that effectively put the game out of reach.
"We came out a little slow in the first quarter, Montreat did an incredible job to hold us, but our defense found its footing and the offense started clicking in the second," said head coach
Matt Bollant. "I'm proud of how the team responded, finishing 18-2 in conference play," he added
Molly Brown was the catalyst for Bryan's second-quarter surge, pouring in 13 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting night, including two three-pointers in a dazzling five-minute stretch that swung the momentum decisively in the Lady Lions' favor. Brown, who finished with 13 points, scored 8 of her points in the second quarter alone as Bryan went on a massive run to close out the half.
Joining Brown in the double-digit scoring column was freshman guard
Alyssa Petty (10 points) and forward
Kaylynn Walls (10 points), each contributing both scoring and lockdown defense.
Ashlyn Plott added 11 points off the bench, going 3-of-8 from three-point range as part of a reserve corps that collectively scored 51 bench points — compared to just 10 for Montreat.
The Lions' defensive intensity was equally impressive. Bryan forced 33 Montreat turnovers and converted those miscues into 36 points, compared to just 15 points off turnovers for the Cavaliers.
Kadee Ferrell anchored the defensive effort with 5 steals and 4 assists, playing the role of defensive maestro throughout the contest.
Bryan also dominated the glass, pulling down 47 rebounds to Montreat's 38, including 18 offensive boards that led to 20 second-chance points. The Lions' largest lead swelled to 43 points in the fourth quarter, a reflection of their total domination in the second half.
With this victory, Bryan (21-5, 18-2) continues to solidify its standing as one of the top programs in its conference heading into the postseason stretch. The Lady Lions' bench depth — demonstrated by 51 bench points Wednesday night — and their shooting efficiency from beyond the arc (10-of-24 from three, 41.7%) signal a team peaking at the right time of year.
Bryan will look to carry this momentum forward as they head into post season next week. The Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament will be held in Kingsport, TN at the Marriott MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. Tournament information will be available once all conference games have concluded.
