Paul Quinn College Defeats Arlington Baptist University in Hard-Fought 63-53 Victory
Arlington, TX — November 5, 2024 In a thrilling matchup, Paul Quinn College (1-1) pulled off a decisive 63-53 win over Arlington Baptist University (0-1) in their second game of the season. Both teams showcased tenacity, but Paul Quinn’s efficient shooting and rebounding edge made the difference, particularly in a strong third quarter that allowed them to solidify their lead.
First Half Recap: Paul Quinn Establishes an Early Lead
The game started with Paul Quinn gaining momentum in the first quarter, ending 20-15. They kept up the pace, limiting Arlington Baptist to 9 points in the second quarter and going into halftime with a solid 31-24 advantage.
Leading the charge was Cierra Taylor, who was outstanding with 20 points on an impressive 9-of-13 shooting. Taylor's efficient performance helped Paul Quinn stay in control, even as Arlington Baptist fought to close the gap.
Third Quarter Surge: Paul Quinn Pulls Away
After the break, Paul Quinn's offense clicked even further, with a 22-point third quarter. Zaire Brown dominated the boards, grabbing a game-high 24 rebounds alongside her 11 points, which proved crucial in maintaining control over the paint. Brown's physical presence set the tone for Paul Quinn, who outrebounded Arlington Baptist 52-37.
Arlington Baptist's Efforts Fall Short in the Fourth Quarter
Arlington Baptist fought back in the final quarter, outscoring Paul Quinn 15-10. Sophia Cortez led the team with 14 points, hitting 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while Laila Stewart chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds. Despite their effort, they struggled with turnovers, totaling 29 for the game. Paul Quinn's defense capitalized on these mistakes, scoring 8 points off turnovers.
Key Stats and Observations
- Rebounding Edge: Paul Quinn dominated the boards with a 52-37 rebounding advantage, thanks mainly to Brown's 24-rebound performance.
- Turnovers: Both teams struggled with turnovers (PQC with 21 and ABU with 29), but Paul Quinn effectively converted these into points.
- Bench Contributions: Paul Quinn's bench outscored Arlington Baptist's 17-12, giving them a boost that Arlington struggled to match.
- Shooting Efficiency: While Paul Quinn shot 41.4% from the field, Arlington Baptist was held to 36.7%, with Paul Quinn's defense effectively limiting their scoring opportunities in key moments.
Final Takeaway
Paul Quinn's balanced attack and rebounding dominance proved too much for Arlington Baptist, who will look to regroup and address the issues exposed in this matchup. This win represents a solid response after an opening-game loss for Paul Quinn and sets a promising tone as they progress through the season. With standout performances from Taylor and Brown, Paul Quinn College showed resilience and depth, positioning themselves as a team to watch.