MARIETTA, Ga. – The University of Tennessee Southern women's basketball stepped back into Southern States Athletic Conference play facing Life University on Saturday. The Firehawks routed the Runnin' Eagles 88-63. UTS has one exhibition and one home game left on the docket for 2024.
Three Firehawks scored in double figures with Ashley Dickey leading all scorers, and a UTS career high, with 30 points. Daysha Reid added 23 points and Lauren Smith pitched in 15. UTS started out on an 8-0 run extended out to lead 14-2 halfway through the quarter. The hot start was powered by eight points by Reid, four by Dickey, and Smith adding a pair. UTS led 21-11 at the end of the first quarter shooting 8-16 from the field. The Firehawks continued their hottest half of shooting scoring 30 points in the second frame.  UTS opened their lead at the half to 51-30 on 11-16 shooting in the quarter combined for a blistering 59 percent. Dickey led the charge connecting on all four of her attempts giving her 23 points in the half.
After the offensive showcase opening half, UTS continued shooting close to 50 percent 5-11 in the third. Reid led the Firehawks netting six points in the quarter. UTS led 69-51 heading to the fourth. In the final period, UTS continued to run off from the Runnin' Eagles holding their largest lead of 28 in the final minutes.
BY THE NUMBERS
53.3 – The Firehawks exploded knocking down 32 of 60 shots, out shooting the Runnin' Eagles 53.3 to 42.3 percent.
7 – UTS connected on seven trifectas, five more than LU.
39:41 – UTS took the lead early that they never relinquished, leading for 39 minutes and 41 seconds.
19 – The Firehawks tallied 19 assists in the match, two more than Life.
44 – UT Southern outscored Life 44-32 in the paint.
15 – The Firehawks picked the Runnin' Eagle's pockets frequently, taking the ball away 15 times.
NEXT UP
The Firehawks will return to action on December 28^th traveling to Clarksville, Tenn., for an exhibition with Austin Peay. Tipoff is set for four p.m.
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