PULASKI, Tenn. - UT Southern continued its historic run Saturday afternoon, securing a 69–60 victory over Life University at the Curry Athletic Complex to extend its winning streak to 12 games. The Firehawks controlled the game from the opening tip, never trailing and answering every push with poise on both ends of the floor.
The Firehawks wasted little time setting the tone. UT Southern opened the game with aggressive defensive pressure, forcing early turnovers and turning them into quick offense. Ashley Dickey and Ramie Reid established themselves inside, while Silkiari Vazquez-Troche pushed the pace and created clean looks for teammates. UT Southern raced out to a 22–10 advantage by the end of the first quarter, holding Life to just four made field goals.
Life attempted to slow the momentum in the second quarter, but the Firehawks continued to dictate play. Lauren Smith and Mycala Carney provided energy off the bench, and Dickey remained aggressive attacking the rim. UT Southern maintained its double-digit lead throughout the period, taking a 32–20 edge into halftime after limiting Life's transition opportunities and winning the rebounding battle.
The third quarter proved pivotal. Life opened the half with a brief scoring surge, but UT Southern responded immediately. Reid knocked down a timely three-pointer, and Vazquez-Troche followed with back-to-back assists to halt any momentum. The Firehawks consistently answered each basket, extending the lead back to double digits and carrying a 46–33 advantage into the fourth.
Life made its strongest push in the final period, trimming the margin to single digits midway through the quarter. Once again, UT Southern responded. Dickey took over late, converting at the free-throw line and finishing through contact in transition. Vazquez-Troche controlled the tempo down the stretch, delivering key assists and coming up with timely defensive stops to prevent any comeback attempt.
Dickey led the Firehawks with 19 points while adding 10 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and two steals in a dominant all-around performance. Reid followed with 15 points and four rebounds, while Vazquez-Troche posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 assists to go along with three steals. Smith contributed seven points and six rebounds, Carney added eight points off the bench, and Mia Jones chipped in five points to round out the balanced effort.
UT Southern finished the afternoon with 46 points in the paint, 16 fast-break points, and 16 points off turnovers, continuing to lean on its defensive identity and depth to control the game wire to wire.
The Firehawks will look to keep the streak alive on Saturday, February 14, when UT Southern hosts Blue Mountain Christian for Senior Day at the Curry Athletic Complex.
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