GREENSBORO, N.C. - The Brevard College women's basketball team (8-2, 3-0 USA South) cruised to a 72-39 USA South Conference victory over Greensboro (3-6, 1-2 USAS) on Wednesday evening at Hanes Gymnasium in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Fifth-year senior forward Makenna Parkins paced the Tornados with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field with a 3-pointer and three made free throws. The Marion, North Carolina native also grabbed five rebounds and snatched three steals for the Tornados - part of a 24-steal output for Brevard in the contest. BC's 24 steals are its third most in a single game in the NCAA era.
Analee Morris poured in 14 points to lead the reserve unit, knocking in five of her seven attempts from the field. Josie Hester also hit double figures with 10 points on three made field goals, two of which being from long distance, and two made free throws. Malayka Rankin led all Tornados with five steals in addition to a career-best eight points, with Chyna Pouncey also registering three steals for Brevard.
Brevard turned its 24 steals into 34 points-off-turnovers, and the Tornados scored 34 bench points. BC forced a total of 37 turnovers overall in the contest, and led the game from start to finish.
Greensboro's Meah Brooks scored a team-best 14 points, while Taya Simpkins totaled a game-high seven rebounds.
The Tornados jumped out to a fierce first-quarter start, led by 14 points from Parkins on 5-of-7 shooting from the field and a perfect 3-for-3 at the line. Hester added eight points to BC's barrage in the first period, knocking in a pair of 3-pointers. Brevard outscored Greensboro 26-5 to open up a 21-point lead.
A low-scoring second period ensued for both sides, as the Tornados defense continued to stifle the Pride. Brevard held a 14-7 edge in the second period to take a 28-point lead, 40-12, into the halftime intermission. BC's defense forced 21 Greensboro turnovers in the first half, as the Tornados recorded 13 total steals with Pouncey's three leading the way.
Brevard shot 38% from the field in the first half, made three total 3-pointers, and was a perfect 11-for-11 at the free throw line. The Tornados scored 24 points-off-turnovers in the first half alone.
BC continued to control the contest in the second half, outpacing the Pride 32-27 in the second half to wrap up the 72-39 road triumph.
Brevard is back in action on Thursday at 4 p.m. as the Tornados head to Fayetteville, North Carolina to take on Methodist.
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-BC-
