Paul Quinn Basketball Falls to Philander Smith with Late Surge
Little Rock, AR – The Paul Quinn women’s basketball team faced a tough matchup against Philander Smith at Mims Gymnasium on November 9, 2024, ultimately falling 70-50 after a hard-fought game that saw both teams battling for control until the final quarter. Philander Smith’s strong finish in the fourth quarter, outscoring Paul Quinn 28-14, sealed the victory. This game marked a challenging road matchup for Paul Quinn as they sought to maintain momentum in their season.
Game Summary
Philander Smith opened strong, establishing a 16-8 lead by the end of the first quarter. Paul Quinn closed the gap with a solid second-quarter performance, outscoring their opponent 16-14. However, Philander Smith held a slim halftime lead at 30-24. In the third quarter, the defensive efforts from both teams kept scoring relatively low, with both sides putting up 12 points. However, the fourth quarter saw Philander Smith break the game open, using their depth and rebounding to extend their lead and finish with a 20-point margin.
Key Performers
- Cierra Taylor was an important player for Paul Quinn, contributing seven points, three rebounds, and two steals. Her effort and tenacity kept Paul Quinn within striking distance for much of the game.
- Canai McPherson led the team with 13 points and contributed two rebounds and four steals, showcasing her defensive prowess.
- Zaire Brown added 12 points and six rebounds, providing a crucial inside presence and finishing with an efficient 4-for-7 from the field.
For Philander Smith, Dasia Turner was the standout performer, scoring 29 points on 11-for-20 shooting. Her dominant play in the paint, where she grabbed 11 rebounds, allowed Philander Smith to control the game's tempo, particularly in the fourth quarter. Ari Winston also played a crucial role, recording 12 points and nine rebounds, while Ashlyn Kimble chipped in 11 points and grabbed four rebounds.
Game Highlights
Philander Smith's aggressive rebounding gave them a decisive advantage, with 17 second-chance points compared to just four for Paul Quinn. Turnovers also proved costly for Paul Quinn, as they committed 27, which Philander Smith converted into 28 points. Despite Paul Quinn's strong fast-break game, outscoring Philander Smith 17-15 in transition, they couldn't overcome the extra scoring opportunities their opponent generated through rebounding and turnovers.
Looking Ahead
Paul Quinn will aim to regroup as they continue their road trip, focusing on reducing turnovers and improving shooting efficiency. Their next game will be an opportunity to apply lessons from this matchup and continue refining their offensive strategies to capitalize on their speed and defensive strengths. With promising players like McPherson and Brown leading the way, Paul Quinn remains a team to watch as they look to bounce back in the coming weeks.