Mustangs Defeat Eutectics in Arkansas

After posting a victory over Crowley's Ridge College (5-1) in the first American Midwest Conference (AMC) game of the season on Thursday, the Eutectic women's basketball team remained in Arkansas for another AMC matchup on Saturday, taking on the Central Baptist College Mustangs (3-2) on their home court in Conway. The UHSP team was unable to topple the home team, falling 85-66.

After CBC's Riley Whittington marked the board first with a 3pt field-goal, the Eutectics responded quickly with a layup by Eva Parks assisted by Montasia McAllister and a triple from Karsyn Morgan to take a 5-3 lead after a minute-and-a-half. But, as it turned out, that would be the only lead the Eutectics would hold all game, as the Mustangs quickly made up the difference and then some with seven points in a row to take a 10-5 lead. Despite 50% shooting from the field by the Eutectics, the home team used four offensive rebounds and five steals to hold the lead at 22-19 in the first 10 minutes.

An offensive rebound and layup from Arianna Buduan got the Euts within one point at 24-23 early in the second quarter. But, despite three blocks by McAllister, the Mustangs nabbed six steals and drained five triples in the quarter to extend their lead to 43-30 by halftime.

The CBC team maintained the momentum after returning to the court in the third quarter, making 10-of-16 shots from the floor and outrebounding the Eutectics 14-5. The Mustangs held the Eutectics to 12 points, while dropping in 25 of their own to increase their lead to 68-42 as they headed into the final 10 minutes of play.

The Eutectics rallied in the fourth quarter, crashing the boards for 15 rebounds, including six from Alina Bowden and five from Reece Halley. Halley and Morgan combined for 16 points as the Eutectics had their best quarter of the game, outscoring the Mustangs 24-17. But, the effort was too late as the Euts still trailed 85-66 when the final buzzer sounded.

Karsyn Morgan finished the game with a season-high 20 points for the Eutectics. Reece Halley narrowly missed a double double for the UHSP team with 15 points and nine rebounds. Montasia McAllister (7), Da'Naiyah Darnell (7), Arianna Buduan (7), Alina Bowden (6), Eva Parks (3), and Kiley Dyer (1) also scored for UHSP.

Aliya Grotjohn and Riley Whittington led the CBC offense with 20 and 19 points, respectively, while Raigan Head recorded a double double with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The Eutectics are now 1-1 in the AMC with an overall record of 1-5. They will break for the Thanksgiving holiday before hosting their next AMC game at home on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5:30 p.m.